Joseph found himself in a predicament. He was officially engaged to Mary. That meant that the two families had agreed to the union and the engagement had no doubt been announced to the community where they lived. The betrothal or engagement was for a period of about a year. They continued to live with their parents and there was to be no sexual relations. The only way this engagement could be broken by Jewish law, was by death or divorce even though they were not living together.
He is told by Mary that she is with child. He knows that he has not consummated this union and now must make a decision. Unfaithfulness during an engagement was a serious offense. Jewish civil law gave Joseph the right to divorce her and then the Jewish authorities could have stoned her to death. Verse 19 shows Joseph to be a compassionate man and desiring to quietly break the engagement, saving Mary public disgrace.
In verse 20 we learn that as he was thinking on this problem, he fell asleep. Isn’t sleep a blessing? When we are burdened with decisions that must be made, worries that overwhelm us, often it is good to just sleep on it. I have a tendency to want to help God with my problem solving. He probably is very happy when I sleep because I am not running interference, trying to “help” Him. He works things out for us while we rest in Him.
When Joseph fell asleep he was surely troubled. He could quietly break the engagement or he could divorce her publicly and see her stoned to death. He loved her enough to enter engagement and neither of those options were good. While Joseph slept an angel came to him. He was told to go ahead with marriage to Mary. The child which is conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit.
We find Joseph to be a righteous man desiring not to disgrace Mary, he was discreet and compassionate of her, disciplined and willing to do as he was directed by God. He was standing in a very privilaged place. Though God had named this child. Joseph would have the honor of announcing that his name would be Jesus and then serve as his earthly father.
Thought For Today:
Joseph went to sleep with a serious problem. When he awoke he followed the commands given to him by God and delivered by an angel. I think Joseph’s role is downplayed a bit. I don’t know what would have happened to Mary and this babe had Joseph not followed God. I do know that God gave him the position as head of the household and the honor of letting the world know His name was Jesus! When we seek God in our times of decision, He always comes through. We may not have a visitation by an angel but the answers will come. We must learn to rest in God, let Him direct our steps and then walk in that way.
Scripture For Today:
Matthew 1:16-23
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We see through this beautiful passage of scripture that You are always with us. You have the answers to situations in our lives. We must be at rest in the midst of the storm and listen for Your sweet voice directing our paths. Thank You, that You hear our prayers and You answer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.