Joseph was a Man of God. October 9th

READ MATTHEW 1:18-24

Much attention is given to Mary and her piety, but Joseph was quite a man of faith, too.

Verse 18 says that Mary was ‘found’ with child, implying that the pregnancy was observed by Joseph, not explained to him by Mary. And this was after Mary had been away visiting Elisabeth for three months! (Lk. 1:56) Certainly Joseph was tempted with the same thoughts that you or I would have been. How could she expect him to believe that this was a virgin birth?

The scripture doesn’t mention Mary ever attempting to convince Joseph of the truth. What would have been the use? Only God could make someone believe a story like this. It is to Mary’s credit that she trusted God and to Joseph’s credit that he believed God.

As special as Mary was, she had an amazing man of God for a fiancé.

How many men would have believed such an incredible story even if an angel had told them in a dream? It may have taken more faith on Joseph’s part than it did on Mary’s.

Joseph believed God and took a pregnant wife to marry. The Bible tells us that they didn’t come together intimately as man and wife until after Jesus was born. (Matthew 1:24-25) It doesn’t tell us how long after, but that is a long wait for any man.

Joseph continued to receive instruction from God concerning his family and was a protector and provider. We see in scripture that Joseph and Mary had more children, and I imagine that they had a wonderful and fulfilling marriage full of joy and adventure. But let’s give Joseph his just due. He was an amazing man of faith and integrity.

Very often those who hear of the vision or call of God second-hand have to exhibit an even greater faith than the person who received the word from the Lord directly. Joseph is a great example of this.

Today, be like Joseph and Mary. Do as the Lord bids you and trust God to take care of the rest.