Joseph

 

Matt 1:18 – 25 (ESV) Now 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.  

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  But 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.  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel.” (which means, God with us).

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

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How many people would take on a challenge as difficult as the one Joseph had?  How many excuses could a person think up for not obeying the commands in that dream?  I believe that God picked this man out to be the earthly father to His Son.  He knew what kind of man Joseph was. 

Some time ago I wrote a poem wondering how Joseph would feel about this task.  This is not something I found in the Scriptures.  It’s just my imagination – but I wonder? 

The baby’s hands curl ‘round his fingers.
He looks in wonder at the sight of those bruised and broken,
rough and calloused, human fingers, held so tight. 

Baby hands reach out for comfort from this man so full of love -
the earthly father of our Savior
commissioned by his God above. 

Would this man’s hands be worthy vessels
to touch and lead the little lad?
Would he find respect and honor
from the one who’d call him dad? 

Baby hands curl ‘round his fingers
as they curl around his heart.
Joseph trembled, filled with questions,
still he vowed to do his part. 

Strong arms raised the precious bundle,
lifting Him toward the skies.
Humbly talking with the Father
Joseph prayed with tear filled eyes. 

With all his heart and soul he pleaded

for the strength and wisdom needed
to fulfill the task, God given,
caring for the Son of heaven. 

Joseph prayed – this was his prayer,
“God help me always to remember
just whose Son is in my care.”