TUESDAY December 10, 2019
Joseph a Just Man
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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
Matthew 1:18-19
Joseph was a carpenter, he worked skillfully with wood. Can you imagine the difficult dilemma Joseph was faced? Mary, the young woman he was betrothed to was with Child. It was God’s divine approval for Mary to conceive the Messiah––it was a miracle––a divine mystery.
The Scriptures reveal something about Joseph’s character, he was just. He would not publicly shame Mary. In deep love for her and in justice he would secretly hide her. The action Joseph was considering was to shield Mary from public disgrace and exposure. Secretly he would put her away so no gossip would circulate and he could protect her. He was a righteous man, he was going to separate from her. Joseph wanted to make sure things were right before God. Yet there was no sin to be found, what had happened was a part of God’s plan! (Deuteronomy 22:23-24).
As Joseph was restless and thought about these things, God was so faithful to reveal His plans to him, to confirm what was happening so there would be no confusion. He sent an angel of the Lord, who appeared to Joseph in a dream, to help him to understand His perfect will:
“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. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
Infinite and yet an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet nursing at a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet carried in a mother’s arms, heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.
~C. H Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!