On Sunday, Jay Mijares taught us about “The Unknown Carpenter” -- Joseph.
Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, is not spoken of in great detail in the Bible but let’s consider how important he was in Ch...
On Sunday, Jay Mijares taught us about “The Unknown Carpenter” -- Joseph.
Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, is not spoken of in great detail in the Bible but let’s consider how important he was in Christ's story. How many men would graciously accept a virgin birth, and then care for and raise that child as their own? Joseph did so, with an extraordinary amount of grace. He was not rich or powerful, but he was a kind, and just, and faithful man. That is why God chose him.
The reading was from Matthew 1:18-25. At first, Joseph is conflicted. “And her husband Joseph... resolved to divorce her quietly.” But then “...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying… do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Finally, in verses 24-25: “Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took Mary [to his home] as his wife, but he kept her a virgin until she had given birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.”
When Joseph learned his betrothed was with child (not his), he first thought to divorce her. Instead, he decided not to bring that shame upon her; he was merciful. He made a home with her, but honored her virginity until after the birth; he was faithful and kept the purity of God’s prophecy.
Jay left us with several thoughts about what we can learn from a humble carpenter.
First, three valuable traits: Joseph was (1) a provider, (2) a protector, and (3) faithful.
And 4 questions to ask ourselves:
Will you count the cost before making a life-changing decision? (Joseph considered at length what his final decision would be.)
Will you be merciful with people who have hurt you? (Joseph may have saved Mary’s life. If he had denounced her publicly as unfaithful, she might have been stoned to death.)
Is your reputation so important that you'll sacrifice your character to obtain it? (Joseph was willing to share the ‘shame’ of Mary’s implied infidelity; keeping his faith was more important than his public image.)
Will you preserve the purity of what Christmas is to the Christian? During this holy season, and beyond, let’s make our thoughts and actions reflect the Glory of God.
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