Jesus is Born (Matthew 1 - P4)

 Read Matthew 1: 18 - 25. 

I have never paid much attention to Joseph.  He has always seemed to me to have a "bit part" in the birth story of Jesus.  This time through, I am seeing him with different eyes.  And I am amazed at him!

We know so little about the man.  Some of the facts we glean from this first chapter of Matthew include:

• Descendant of Abraham through King David
• of the tribe of Judah
• father's name was Jacob
• betrothed to Mary
• a righteous man

A word about the betrothal custom in Jewish families at this time in history:  most marriages were arranged at this time.  The selections and arrangements were made by the parents even when the two were still children.  When it was time, a betrothal took place.  At this point, the prospective bride could refuse.  But if she agreed and entered the betrothal period, she was considered married.  The betrothal period lasted for one year.  During that year, the bride remained in her home and the groom prepared their living space.  At the end of that year, the marriage took place and the marriage was consummated.  So while the two did not live together or have sexual relations during the betrothal year, they were considered married.  If the bride was found to not be a virgin on her marriage night, the groom could divorce her the very next morning.  That is why most Jewish weddings at this time took place on a Tuesday ... Jewish court convened on Wednesday. 

And we find Mary pregnant during that betrothal year.  More importantly, Joseph finds her pregnant during that betrothal year. 

Watch him in these verses.  We are told in verse 19 that he was "righteous".  Today, let's consider some of the things from his behaviors that could be included in this "righteous" description.  And after observing, let's consider ourselves.

First, he did not want Mary exposed to public disgrace.  For all he knew, she had disgraced him.  She had gone behind his back and ended up pregnant.  But he was a righteous man ... he had no desire for revenge.  To me, that makes him noble.  Revenge is bitter business.  And once the ball is rolling, there is no end.  I think that is why God had previously said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Secondly, he recognized the voice of the angel of the Lord in his dream.  I wish I knew details about that dream!  But Joseph was sensitive to the voice of God.  He was a righteous man ... he knew the voice of God.  And when he heard, he obeyed ... no argument, no questions it seems.  He just did what the Lord had said do. 

Third, Joseph waited.  He took Mary to be his wife ... but did not have union with her until after Jesus was born.  Joseph was a righteous man ... he was willing to put himself aside for a season. 

How about you?  Are you willing to set aside revenge when you have been "wronged"?  It is wise to set it aside.  It is wise to leave it in the hands of God rather than your own hands.  Revenge is deadly.  It brings the wrong kind of satisfaction.  Leave it alone!

Lord, I place my need for revenge over ____ in your hands.

Are you striving to be sensitive to the voice of God in your own life?  Are you listening?  It takes time ... it takes quiet.  And are you willing to obey God?  When God speaks to you through His written word, do you listen?  Do you respond?  Or do you make excuses for why you cannot obey. 

Lord, I want to hear you.  Give me ears to hear and the desire to obey.

 

Are you willing to set yourself aside for the good of another ... ever?  Do you think the apostle Paul was serious when he said, "Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others"? (Philippians 2:4)  Will you do that?

 

Lord, help me be free of self consumption!  Give me the courage to set

myself aside for the good of someone else.  Teach me how ...

 

Joseph was a righteous man.  I want to be a righteous woman.  How about you?  God chose Mary to carry this baby.  But He also chose Joseph ... to be the dad in the household ... to help train this little boy ... to grow him up as a strong, Jewish boy.  He chose Joseph ...