Slideshow image

December 11

Title: Joseph, the Earthly Father of Jesus

Text: Matthew 1:18-20

Being a dad is hard. I have raised three kids. One is still in the home. I live most days wondering if I did (or presently) am I doing a good job. But my word—Joseph was a good man, hearing what he did from Mary must have jarred him a bit. Look at the context below. 

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18-20)

Yeah. That is brutal. Imagine that conversation with Mary. “Umm….hey Joseph. You might want to sit down. I am pregnant. But don’t worry—I didn’t have relations with anyone. I have been faithful to you. The Holy Spirit overshadowed me. I am carrying the Messiah of the world. So—what would you like for dinner tonight?” 

I mean—I am obviously being funny, but seriously—that would not have been an easy conversation. Joseph didn’t believe her. I wouldn’t have. I don’t fault Joseph at all for wanting to divorce her. Notice the text said Joseph is a righteous man. Even in his pain, the apparent betrayal—he wanted to put Mary away quietly. No fanfare. No trying to protect his reputation. That is what a good and honorable man does. Let us at least give Joseph that. 

But the story doesn’t end there. An angel appears to him. Confirms Mary’s story. And Joseph chose to stay with her. 

Now the interesting part is this: We don’t know how much time elapsed. Was it an hour? A day? A month? What I am getting at is this—why didn’t God come to Joseph first? Or at least announce it at the same time? Have you ever thought of that? God certainly could have. But He didn’t. 

I suspect God didn’t do it this way for one main reason. This approach required Joseph to wrestle with God, his pain, his heartbreak. God is the divine Vinedresser. He prunes. He was pruning Joseph. And the pruning of God is often painful. I am sure Joseph would agree. 

Fathers, being a dad prunes you. Whether you want it to or not. Joseph’s pruning was unique, but the principle is still the same. Every day—we can choose to trust God, leaning on His empowerment or do it ourselves, leaning on our human wisdom. Choose to lean on God today. He will never leave you or forsake you. 14 days until Christmas.