Power Point - December 9, 2004
December 9, 2004
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 1:19
He was just a young man—a Middle Easterner—who looked forward to building a life with his betrothed. He didn’t have much. He wasn’t a rich guy, but it didn’t really matter, because the couple shared a deep love for each other and a passionate devotion to God. He didn’t set out to be anyone important or to set up a promising career for himself. He was just a simple carpenter who was content working for the people of his village.
But, one day he received some devastating news that seemed to shatter his future. His betrothed was pregnant. He knew the child couldn’t be his, but he responded nobly. He didn’t leave her, or talk down to her, or run off and get revenge. He knew she faced a situation worse than his complete embarrassment—public disgrace and humiliation.
So, the man decided to deal with the issue at hand privately. But before he could even set his plan into action, a messenger visited him and said that this child was not the worst thing that could ever happen in his life, but instead it was the best thing. His lady would give birth to the Messiah—the King of kings and Lord of lords—the “child of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).
The messenger told him to go through with the marriage and name the baby, “Jesus.” Courageously, he did as he was commanded. This is the story of Joseph. He was a real man. He was just and completely committed to Mary. He was compassionate and humble. He knew God’s Word, and He desired to obey and love God with all his heart and soul
It’s not hard to find an example of a good man…they are scattered throughout the Bible. Joseph is just one example of a godly man who trusted God. There are models of both men and women who were “just” and patterned a life of holiness. Some of their situations and issues they dealt with are not much different than today’s. Seek to pattern your life, first after Christ’s, then after those who followed Him whole-heartedly.
CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT MAKE A PERSON,
THEY REVEAL WHAT HE OR SHE IS MADE OF.