"...Joseph ... did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
(Matthew 1:24-25)
The Scriptures are clear that Joseph, the man who raised Jesus, was not his biological father. Imagine Joseph’s consternation upon learning that the maiden pledged to marry him was pregnant! No doubt he was more than a little cynical of her claim that the child inside her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph may have felt bitterness, betrayal and disappointment. The Bible says that when God spoke truth to him in a dream, Joseph’s deep hurt and confusion were lifted. God knew that Joseph would listen and act, even when faced with great adversity. By the little else we know of him, we believe he was a protective, conscientious and faithful husband and father, raising Jesus and His half-siblings to love and obey God.
When you experience what looks like a failure – disappointed hopes, the loss of a dream, an impossible dilemma – remember Joseph. Even when he thought all was lost, God was using his circumstances to accomplish a work of great eternal significance. Trust God to do the same for you!
Scripture Focus
Matthew 1:18-25
Insight
Romans 8:28 reminds us that with God in charge, the biggest disappointments often become divine appointments!
Bible In A Year
- Daniel 5-6
- Proverbs 7
- Hebrews 9-10