ADVENT DAY 8: Dec. 8
Matthew 1:18-21
Joseph
18 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. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ESV
Refusing to Throw Stones
By Joe Gonyea
Joseph was a remarkable man of God. In his culture, there was legal precedent to have Mary stoned. Not because she had done anything wrong, but because it looked like she had. Matthew records that Joseph was a just man and did not want to bring shame to Mary. I think this gives us a glimpse into Joseph’s character. We see that he was truly a man who followed after God. He was just but not quick to condemn.
When God spoke to him in a dream, he was ready and willing to follow the direction God gave him even if it cost him his reputation.
Are you living your life in such a way that God can use you? Does your character reflect the society around you, or does it reflect trust in God?
Prayer:
Holy God, teach me the difference between being just and throwing stones at people. Help me, like Joseph, to give you the chance to show me your dream for me and others. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
