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. (Matthew 1:20, ESV)
Mary and Joseph were engaged to marry, a happy time of anticipation for most young couples. Everyone enjoys a good love story that ends with a “happily ever after.” Most couples have a story to tell about their road to matrimony, but Joseph and Mary’s story was like none before or since.
An engagement, or betrothal, in the Jewish culture of that day was quite different from today’s way of dating and marriage. There was no dating. Instead, the two fathers would arrange the marriage. Sometimes a couple did not even meet before marriage. The betrothal period, usually a year or more, was as legally binding as a marriage today. It is during this betrothal time that Matthew’s account of the couple begins.
I can only imagine the turbulent thoughts of Joseph when he learned Mary was expecting a child. His Mary, the girl his father had selected for him to spend his life with. And the child was not his. That much he knew. Joseph would not have been the only one confused by this situation. Each set of parents must have felt dismayed and had many questions as well. The conversations were no doubt strained and her story difficult to grasp.
The character of Joseph shines throughout Matthew’s narrative. Joseph was a good man, a person of integrity. He also had a compassionate spirit. By law, he could divorce Mary. According to Old Testament law she could even be killed for adultery. He did not want that. Nor did he wish to expose her to public disgrace. It would be best, he decided, to quietly divorce her. It was a difficult decision but an honorable one.
As Joseph slept, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Everything the angel told Joseph validated Mary’s story.
“Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).
Even at this point, Joseph could have walked away. After all, many would never believe the truth of Mary’s story. Some would point fingers at him as well. Even his extended family and friends might never understand why he chose to stay with Mary and raise a child that was not his. But being the kind, honorable man that he was, Joseph accepted the heavy responsibility thrust upon him and took on the role of Jesus’ earthly father. Joseph chose obedience to God over the good opinion of others.
You may also face a time when God asks you to choose obedience over convenience. Others may try to discourage you or disparage your decision. Following God’s will is not always easy or completely understood by others. But if you’ve heard a clear command from the Lord, choose to follow it. Although obedience may be difficult, follow Joseph’s example. If you do, God will honor and bless your obedience.
Make Psalm 143:10 your prayer today.
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (ESV)
(Note: The last mention of Joseph in Scripture is Luke 2:41-50. He took the family to Jerusalem for Passover when Jesus was twelve years old. Scholars assume that Joseph died before Jesus began His public ministry. On the cross Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, something He would not have done if Joseph were alive.)
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