Consider Joseph

This week we began a study of the gospel of Matthew with my wife, her sister and her husband. We are simply taking 1 or 2 chapters and looking at them together to see what God will show us. This week we looked at Matthew 1 and 2, not a very popular passage, except at the end of December. However, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

There are many stories found in Matthews genealogy: an incestuous relationship, a prostitute, a foreigner, an adulterous and murderous king, all of whom God included in the genealogy of Jesus. For me this is encouraging. God is not ashamed of these people but includes them and doesn’t attempt to hide their flaws. There’s room for me in the family of God. That’s encouraging!

But, the thing that really gets my attention is Joseph. For several years the faithfulness of Joseph has been an encouragement to me. Imagine if you can, being a man who has worked to establish himself in a trade and kept himself from women. Now he establishes a marriage covenant with this young Hebrew woman and, all of a sudden, finds out she is pregnant! Would you feel betrayed, angry, looking for justice?

This is not just a precious moments fairy story. This is real people just like you and me.

It says Joseph was a righteous man, but the text goes on to point out that he understood to be merciful. So, he decided not to make a show of her but to divorce her quietly. There is a lot to say about this, but let’s just leave it at, this was an extreme kindness.

After this Joseph is visited 4 times by an angel in dreams and given instruction. Each time Joseph’s response is immediate obedience. (Matthew 1:24, 2:14, 2:21-22)

How do I respond to unfaithfulness and injustice, by those around me? How quickly do I obey when I see the will of God for my life? These are questions that arise for me. I hope they are helpful for you.

May we each one grow in mercy and obedience.