The Man

Matthew 1 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. And her husband Joseph being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, and 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son; and they shall call His name Immanuel, which means God with us. When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Why did God choose Joseph? He was not needed for conception. Why not just let Mary raise Jesus alone?

Maybe it was because boys need a father, even a stepfather.

So little is known about Joseph. But what we do know is impressive. He was an honorable man. He took a wife and kept her a virgin until after the delivery of the Child, to fulfill God's word. He was a man of faith. An angel spoke to Him in a dream and he believed and trusted God, even when it seemed impossible. He was a man of integrity. Standing up for what is right even when others do not believe you. He was a protector. Taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect their lives.

Joseph may not have participated in the conception of his Son, but he obviously played a huge role in the life of Jesus; even teaching Him his trade. Joseph fades from the story and gives the Son of God His rightful place. He must increase and I must decrease.

If you are a father, especially a stepfather, look to Joseph for instruction. Be honorable. Be a man of faith. Be a man of integrity. Be a protector. Raise a Godly child, even if they are not really yours.

Father, thank you for godly men, for our heads of house. Men who stand in the gap for their families. Men who look to you for wisdom and instruction. For all those who live a life of integrity and protect their families from harm. I love you Lord and today I am grateful that you call Yourself, Father. Be a father to all of the ones, like me, who have no earthly father. Be near Lord Jesus. I love the thought of Jesus in the manger, Jesus the teacher, Jesus the friend but today Lord I am grateful to call you Father.