Joseph lifted the thick wood onto the worn worktable. His last conversation with Mary replayed in his mind. Shaking his head once again, he knew the unfathomable had occurred. His sigh came from deep within his chest, emptying out his lungs. How his heart ached.
He wanted desperately to believe her words, that her character and integrity were still intact.
But he knew that couldn’t possibly be the case. It just didn’t make any sense. Yet, as he recalled looking her squarely in the eye… oh, how his heart almost believed her.
Another sigh and a throbbing headache reminded him he hadn’t slept well since she shared she was with child. A baby! And he knew it couldn’t be his. How could she?
His memory lingered on the innocent look in her eyes, as she earnestly pleaded for his understanding, his trust, his affection. He recalled looking away; he just didn’t know.
He shook his head, trying to toss away the thought. But it penetrated into his consciousness once again. There was only one thing to do: divorce her quietly. No need to shame her publicly. Saddened by the resolve, he nodded to himself. Yes, it was the only thing he could do.
That evening he went to bed, certain he would care for this mess in the morning.
“But an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home to be 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)
Joseph awoke, his heart lightened. He quickly set out to find Mary, to do what the Lord said, and to bring her home as his wife.
Joseph had been in a very tough spot. Tough emotionally. Tenacious politically. Unyielding socially.
I know I have been in places where I couldn’t figure out a situation. I bet you have too. Joseph didn’t let his emotions of anger or hurt dictate his actions. We read that his character and integrity remained intact as he tried to determine what to do with what appeared, an unfaithful Mary.
When God spoke, Joseph listened. He must have felt at least some reassurance at the angel’s words, even though they were unimaginable.
He must have felt some semblance of peace as he surrendered his last chance of breaking this vow to marry. An angel had visited him!
Most of us would probably say we haven’t seen an angel or heard one speak, but I bet as you and I walk with the Lord, we too, have experienced that undeniable peace He gives when we are following His will. It doesn’t always make the situation easier and rarely ever makes us popular, but that peace He gifts can only be described as the “peace that passes understanding”. Philippians 4:7
We see a trait in Joseph worth emulating: a man of character and integrity, willing to take direction and completely change his mind when the Lord led and guided him.
You and I have access to that type of faith too. Jesus came so that we could be reunited with God, that our sins would not separate us from Him, that we too, could hear His voice and discern His will. All we need to do is ask. Will you join me in asking for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be a person of integrity and good character. I want to have peace like Joseph to trust in a message from You, to completely change course if You are leading that direction. Lord, give me pause to ask You. Give me patience to listen for You. And please give me faith to believe Your answer, no matter what it is. In Jesus’ name, Amen.