Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 142

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. – Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph and Mary had entered into a covenant relationship. She had been promised to him and he planned to soon take her as his wife. The news of Mary’s pregnancy would have been heartbreaking for Joseph. Scripture describes Mary as confused and disturbed, but there is no description for how Joseph accepted the news. We only know that he was kind in his response.

JOSEPH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH KINDNESS.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

Perhaps the words of the angel give us a glimpse into how Joseph was feeling. If the angel’s first words are any indication, Joseph was afraid to take Mary as his wife. There was a reluctance to step into the unknown. Would people assume that Joseph himself had been with Mary, tainting his reputation of righteousness? Would the community believe Mary’s explanation of her pregnancy or would they cry out for her stoning? Joseph was taking time to consider what his response should be, and it was in that moment of consideration that an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.

We often focus on how special Mary must have been for God to have chosen her to carry the Son of God within her — how righteous she must have been to have the privilege of being his mother. But Joseph was not just a bystander and he certainly was not a victim of God’s plan. Matthew describes Joseph as a righteous man. He also was chosen for this amazing opportunity to parent and protect the Christ Child.

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. – Matthew 1:22-25

JOSEPH WAS A CHOSEN MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED IN OBEDIENCE.

Not only was Mary chosen, so was Joseph. He would be the earthly father for Jesus, providing everything this precious little one would need to grow up with the knowledge of the scriptures. The words of the prophet were being fulfilled and Joseph had the privilege of being one of the first people to recognize this holy moment in history and respond in faith.

Joseph’s response reflects the righteousness of God in him. He was willing to do what the angel had commanded him to do; he would take Mary as his wife. But he also treated Mary and her pregnancy with respect, protecting the sacredness of her conception and the life growing within her. He chose to protect and care for them both, and he did not claim his marriage rights in bed until after the baby was born.

JOSEPH WAS A HONORABLE MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH RESPECT.

When we surrender our plans to God, allowing Him to be Lord of our life, He begins to do a work within us. The righteousness of God begins to change us into the person He created us to be. Our actions and attitudes begin to reflect this righteousness, shaping our response to what God is asking us to do. God calls us to obedience but He also equips us with what we need to respond in submission to His will. We begin to respond naturally with kindness and respect for those He is calling us to minister to. He is Immanuel, God with us, and His presence in our lives can be evident for all to see!

Lord, this morning we thank you for Joseph. Thank you for this beautiful example of obedience and love. Please fill us with your righteousness as we experience this covenant relationship with you. May our hearts be prepared and ready to respond with kindness and respect, obediently surrendering our plans to your greater plan. Amen.

I cry out to the Lord;
I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before him
and tell him all my troubles.
When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn…
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.” – Psalm 142:1-5