Joseph must have been a man of few words. In the nativity narrative, as recorded in Matthew and Luke, we do not, apparently, have any record of words spoken directly by Joseph; but his thoughts, behaviour and actions continue to speak volumes of knowledge and wisdom across generations.
Breaking News
One day, news broke out in the town of Nazareth that a young woman named Mary, who had been betrothed to Joseph, a godly man, had become pregnant. It is known that the Jewish betrothal lasted one year; and during the period, the man and the woman were considered married, but they were required to stay apart until their marriage was consummated – after the one-year period. The betrothal period was meant, in principle, to test the purity and faithfulness of the woman.
Indeed, with the kind of respect that Joseph commanded in the community, the news of Mary’s pregnancy must have attracted a lot of attention in Nazareth. Joseph was faced with a difficult situation.
A Serious Challenge
Considering the face value of what had happened, any average young man would accuse Mary of infidelity and betrayal of trust. He would then seek to protect his own image.
On the contrary, Joseph, being a godly man with noble character, did not take any hasty action against his beloved Mary. He travelled the extra mile to protect her. He was not only concerned about his own image and reputation; he was also seriously concerned about the fate of Mary. It was a difficult and challenging situation for him. He knew Mary to be a devout and committed worshiper of God, but he also could not understand how she would become pregnant while he had not had any sexual relationship with her.
At this critical time, when he did not understand what was happening, Joseph chose to act in love towards Mary. He looked for a way to end their relationship without disgracing her.
The Special Dream
At a time when Joseph appeared confused and disturbed, The LORD sent an angel to deliver an important message to him in a dream,
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV).
When Joseph woke up from the dream, he did exactly what he was directed to do. He “took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24 NIV).
Facing Public Opinion
In the context of Mary’s pregnancy, the Jewish society must have viewed the life of Joseph and Mary with their own coloured lenses. At the initial stage, many people might have blamed Mary – and exonerated Joseph – for ‘committing sexual sin’.
However, when it was observed later that Joseph and Mary were now moving together as husband and wife, the story would be revised. As for Joseph’s colleagues and friends, they must have been very surprised and disappointed when they got to know that he had accepted to go ahead and marry Mary.
Considering all the pressures of public criticism and blame, many a young man today, would have downplayed the encounter with the angel as “a mere dream” and neglected the message that accompanied it. As for Joseph, his deep relationship with The Lord convinced him that God was speaking directly to him in the dream. He did not even think of going to consult the priests for any interpretation. He was determined to please God rather than men.
High moral standard
Joseph’s deep commitment to God and his sincere devotion to His Word could be seen in how he handled his special relationship with Mary. He did not have any sexual relationship with her, until she gave birth to Jesus Christ the Messiah.
“But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born.” (Matthew 1:25 NLT).
God continues to choose for His special service, men and women – young and old – who maintain very close relationship with Him and are ready to carry out His instructions, just as Joseph did. The Bible shows us, in Psalm 119, how we can live in purity,
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9 NIV).
In the Book of Genesis, we read of another Joseph, who bears a glaring testimony of obedience to the Word of God, regarding moral uprightness. When he was confronted by his Egyptian mistress, Potiphar’s wife, to commit sexual sin with her, Joseph, the Hebrew young man, utterly refused and stated with strong conviction,
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9b NIV).
A challenge for today’s youth
Unfortunately, today, the world seems to redefine morality by its own terms, without due reference to the sacred Word of God. Judging from the messages of many young people on the electronic and social media, it appears that people are more concerned with managing the consequences of immorality – for example through the use of condom and abortion – rather than living a life of purity (no sex before marriage) according to the Word of God. Paul tells the Corinthian believers,
“Flee from sexual immorality.” (I Corinthians 6:18 NIV).
He goes further to explain, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” (I Corinthians 6:19b-20 NIV).
The divine cover
In the midst of all the confusion in the minds of people, the mocking lips, the threatening judgment of the priests and political authorities, God’s divine power intervened to cover Joseph and his beloved Mary and protected them from any harm.
Joy and fulfillment
Joseph took care of his wife Mary throughout the challenging times. He had to provide special care for her pregnant wife, as the two of them journeyed to Bethlehem, to respond to the strict requirements of the Roman census. At God’s appointed time, Mary gave birth to Jesus, in the town of Bethlehem. What a great time of joy and excitement for Joseph and his wife, as they witnessed directly, the unfolding of God’s great plan of salvation for the world. He and his wife Mary were overjoyed to receive visitors from near and far locations, including shepherds from Bethlehem, and wise men from the east, who came to pay homage to the Baby King.
It was all joy, as Joseph took Mary and the Baby to the Temple in Jerusalem, for the purification rites which were meant for firstborn males. The young family also witnessed the testimonies and great messages delivered by Simeon, a righteous and devout man, and Anna the prophetess.
Value-added care for the family
In obedience to God’s instructions, Joseph took his family through all the stages of the Child’s growth and development. He took his family to Egypt, to protect the Holy Baby from the wicked and murderous plans of King Herod, who was seeking to kill Jesus whom a considered a serious threat to his kingship.
Noble attributes
Joseph is, indeed, a godly and admirable personality. He stands out, in the nativity account, as an impressive character – a principled and respected individual with admirable spiritual attributes.
Through his godly lifestyle, unshakable faith and his noble thoughts and actions, he has left a golden legacy for all humankind. Joseph is certainly a role model for the youth and all people who desire to live a righteous life to please God.
The writer is a HR/Management Practitioner
Phone.WhatsApp: 0244599628
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