Joseph Considered

The Birth of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:18-25
18Now 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. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But 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. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

It's always interesting to me to see what Joseph may have went through during his time of considering whether to go his seperate way when learning that Mary was pregnant. Joseph must have felt betrayed by Mary. I can imagine he felt as though she had been unfaithful possibly. There were obviously some doubts. In various translations of the Bible it is communicated that Joseph and Mary were engaged at the time of her concieving a child. This is what I believe as well knowing that she was still a virgin and they did not consumate the marriage until after the birth of Jesus.

Most importantly I would like to highlight the fact that Joseph determined to be joined with what God had blessed. He chose to believe what the angel of the Lord had showed him. What an opportunity he had to be in unity with what God had ordained. Did you know that we have that same opportunity to be married together with Christ as His bride?

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

What will you choose to do? Will you believe? Or will you put Him away? Will you nurture and care for the seed of God? Will you be faithful with what He has planted in your heart? We have a responsiblilty to do such as Joseph did. This story would have read quite different had he not believed God.

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Have a wonderful Christmas Season this year of 2010 and may we all find our place in Him in the New Year! Make sure you take the time to spend with your family and communicate the real Christmas Story and don't allow it to just be about the giving and recieving of earthly things but make it be about the celebration of the the birth of the greatest thing that has ever happened in your life "Jesus Christ" Share the joy, the hope, and the gift of Jesus all across this world.

Merry Christmas '2010'
Joshua Helm