" Joseph's Thoughtful Deliberation "

 

Matthew 1:18-25  "Now the birth of JESUS CHRIST was on this wise: When as HIS Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with  CHILD of the HOLY GHOST. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the HOLY GHOST. And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shall call HIS name JESUS : for HE shall save HIS people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with CHILD, and shall bring forth a SON, and they shall call HIS name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is, GOD with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn SON: and he called HIS name JESUS."

     "When as HIS Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with CHILD of the HOLY GHOST" (v.18 pictured above). Put yourself in Joseph's shoes (sandals). Prior to the consummation of their marriage, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. He knew that the CHILD was not his, and so it seemed that he could come to only one conclusion: Mary had been unfaithful. She must have been with some other man. Joseph was greatly troubled. It just did not make any sense. The Mary he knew would not have done this. What should he do ?

     As he considered his options, he did not wish to make a public spectacle of Mary. To deal with the matter in private seemed best. "He thought on these things" (v.20 pictured at top of post). Joseph did not act in haste or in anger. He deliberated. He waited on the LORD. "LORD, what should I do ? I love Mary; I can't believe this has happened. I don't understand it. LORD, show me what to do." GOD quickly answered and supplied the vital information that Joseph lacked (vv.20-21). May we avoid rash actions and not jump to conclusions before learning all the facts. We need to wait on the LORD and carefully evaluate the situation in light of what we know to be true. The person who manifests the love of CHRIST does not hastily prejudge a case but, rather, "believeth all things" (1st.Corinthians 13:7); that is, he tries to put the best possible construction on actions and events. May we believe that a person is innocent until the facts prove otherwise. It is important to accept what a person says in his own defense unless we have solid evidence to the contrary. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage. . .Wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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