Joseph has made some good choices in spite of most
trying circumstance. Yet there is a difference between a good choice and the
best choice. The Lord is purposeful in seeking that we might make the best, and
not any less. Perhaps that is one reason we who follow Jesus have such a
difficult time discerning His will in some matters. To be God's disciple, we
must know how to pick between the better and the best, and then act on it
decisively. That is not a habit easily gained, even for those He calls
righteous - as Matthew 1:20 demonstrates; "But after he had considered this,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in
her is from the Holy Spirit."[1]
Joseph had thought through
his next actions in light of Mary's unplanned pregnancy. His line of thought
was rooted in kindness, and it was with noble intentions he chose to avoid
shaming her. No doubt he was also concerned for his family name, having his own
line to consider too -his parents would be dishonoured if he went ahead and
married her now. Lastly, he probably had a lingering doubt. As a Jew, he well
knew that Messiah was promised through a virgin, but many had claimed to be
'her' over the centuries since Isaiah's prophesy. Just how believable was
Mary's story in this case, even if there was a truthful ring to it?
Some time passes. The Lord
is not uncomfortable leaving us in uncomfortable circumstance if it furthers His
glory. Then He speaks to him in a dream, through an angel. "Joseph, son of David". One does well
to remember that this is the first time we read of Joseph hearing God speak to
him, even if it is through an angel. To hear his name spoken by that which is
beyond his frame of reference must be both terrifying and strangely comforting
– the words being reassurance that supernatural God knows him, and where he
came from. “Do
not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife."
His concern is dealt with straight on, and the Lord calls it for what it is.
Not a mere concern for his parents, but a personal fear. No doubt there was yet
some prideful fear that he would loose his place in society if he took Mary in
spite of her pregnancy. "...because what is conceived in her is from the Holy
Spirit." A validation of Mary's testimony. He could know for certain she was sane, godly
and blessed. "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”[2]
This simple truth changes everything for Joseph. The promised Messiah would
finally be born, and born into his house - a higher honour no one could ask for! In just a few sentences, the Lord had taken
what looked to be a personal disaster and turned it into a tremendous
blessing.
That is so like Him.
· In what way has
the Lord completely changed your outlook on your circumstance?
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