Joseph's Conversation

Mt. 1:18-25

Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Her husband had been chosen by her parents, and an agreement had been made and officially finalized, This union was legally binding and could only be broken by divorce. But into the mix came a small snafu!  Joseph found his intended bride with child. Mary knew the baby was from the Holy Spirit, but apparently Joseph did not believe so. He wanted a quiet divorce, one that did not shame Mary. 

Second snafu! An angel of the Lord had a private conversation with Joseph, one that opened his eyes to the truth of Mary's situation. He was told that the baby would be a son, and he was to call his name Jesus. No doubt this was a big deal since family names were very important to the Jewish people. Much like John the Baptist, Jesus' name came from God. And rightly so since Jesus was His Son. The angel reminded Joseph of the prophecy, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). This must have blown Joseph's mind. He was to be the earthly father to Immanuel. His wife, Mary, was carrying the Son of God, the Messiah. How unbelievable! For sure, this message could only be believed if an angel delivered it. The text says that Jospeh did as he was commanded. He did take Mary to be his wife, but he didn't consumate the union until after she had given birth. Joseph called His name Jesus! What a powerful name that is!

Father,

My heart is full as I think of Jesus and all He has done for me. Like Joseph, at times, I think that this new nature and this forgiveness are unbelievable. But I am so very thankful!

In His name,

Amen