Matt
1:18-25 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his
mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was
found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a
just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him
in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as
your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She
will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people
from their sins." 22 All this took
place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and
bear a son,
and
they shall call his name Immanuel"
(which
means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the
Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given
birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
NOTE: It is very
clear that Mary and Joseph were not involved sexually. Joseph was committed to
a divorce but did not want a public scandal. I would be surprised if Mary had
not explained the circumstances to Joseph In which case, it was a story that
was just too hard to believe for Joseph. Just as it probably was for any of
Mary's other friends and family. So Joseph was probably not surprised by the
visit of the angel. Joseph is involved early in the birth, the trip to
Bethlehem, and the trip to Egypt. Joseph passed on his skills as a carpenter,
but there is little else. Joseph played his part in Jesus' life, the part God
had assigned him. He did the right thing. He served God. What is my part over
the next few years in this new endeavor. It doesn't have to be grandiose, but
it does have to be obedient. Thank you Lord for where I am. Help me to be
observant to how you will you my life.
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