Matthew writes from the Perspective of Joseph just as Luke writes his Gospel from the perspective of Mary. Joseph was shocked and embarrassed. His fiancee’ (in that culture it was like being married without living together) either had an affair or really was pregnant by God’s Spirit. There simply was no other option. Either Mary had been sleeping around or . . . .? Joseph at lest knew it wasn’t his doing. And that must have been awfully tough. How does a man handle that?
Joseph, I think, must have been a really great man. Somehow he paid attention to a dream, believed it was God speaking, and believed that God had altered the natural laws of reproduction. It seems to me that’s a very large leap of belief.
And that’s exactly what he chose to believe and act on. I have the impression that Joseph must have been a young man who knew he was living in God’s world, a man who, when wanted to lead him, could sense that God was “speaking” and was will to do whatever it took to follow that leading with integrity. Joseph handled his humiliation by courageously following God.
I would like to see a father son picture of Joseph and Jesus somewhere. Wouldn’t you?
This was a beautiful reflection Pastor Jeff. Thank you! God Bless
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BARVAg0gl6w
ReplyDeleteIn case this I didn't do this right one may blackle (the green version of google) Michael Card Joseph's Song
Joseph's first response was to "divorce Mary quietly" until the angel of the Lord appeared and told him in a dream what was going on. He could have doubted the dream, he could have explained it away, or rationalized feeling inadequate, but he didn't. What stands out to me is that Joseph and Mary's relationship was rock solid! Also, God didn't leave Joseph out of the plan, He knew Joseph needed to know as well.
He didn't judge Joseph for his initial feelings, He guided him through them! Wow!
Grace-