Matthew 1:18-25 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”  22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.”  NKJV

I have thought many times about what Joseph must have felt when he found that his virgin bride to be was with child.  He could have no concept of the miraculous supernatural event that had transpired to bring about her pregnancy and would have concluded that she had been wanton.  His love for her and his character is demonstrated in the statement that he wanted to ‘dismiss her in private’ not wanting to further embarrass her and maybe it was to hide his shame as well.  He had to be deeply troubled and perplexed as he became aware that the woman he was to marry was pregnant with a child not his.

Imagine the angel of the Lord coming to him in a dream and informing him of what had transpired and how even then most would have been troubled wondering if this was truly a revelation of God or just something fictional.  Even if it was from God how would people react to the news that Mary was pregnant and connect the dots that the child had not been sired by Joseph.  The fact that he honored the dream and kept himself from her until the birth of Jesus speaks of his faith and obedience and that should be recognized.  Little is said or even known about Joseph in the Bible record but I consider him a man of great integrity and faith and while Mary is greatly honored should Joseph not be given credit for his role in this?  Men, sometimes it is not what we do that is noted and praised by others that speaks of our faith but what we do when the full revelation is hidden from other’s eyes.

There is no indication in scripture that he was less than loving and nurturing as a human father to this child and that speaks volumes of his love toward God, Mary and the child.  His faith enabled him to do that which God desired and required and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been initially if not long term.  Thank you Joseph for loving God enough to be obedient, caring for and protecting Mary and the Christ Child.  Thank you (believers) who are faithful even when the tongues wag trying to bring you shame.  Thank you Father for loving us so much!

            God bless you as you go through this day!