Joseph: The Step Father of The Christ Child

I have always wondered about Jesus' earthly father - Joseph.  The Bible speaks very little about him, however, God's Word says more than we think.  We know that when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he decided to quietly divorce her, which in essence meant he was bearing her shame.

Matthew 1:19 NIV  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.


God refers to Joseph as a "Righteous" man.  We would call Joseph an "Honorable" man whom loved and cared for Mary's welfare and reputation.  God, knowing what Joseph was going through, (He knows what you are going through also) sent the angel of the Lord to speak with him;

Matthew 1:20-24 NIV  
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as 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."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Not only could Joseph hear from God, but obeyed without question or hesitation!  Now you may be saying:  I don't know if I could have done that, not without some more explanation or time to think...   That always is the major difference between people who call themselves Christians and those who truly "Know His voice"!?  The latter can only come from a personal relationship with the Lord.


When God chose Mary to bear Jesus he had also chosen Joseph to raise Him!  We believe Joseph was "around" a lot (at home), working nearby, and as any father, desired to influence his adopted son.  Children are chosen by God for us, and a blessing from the Lord the Bible tells us.  However adopted children are twice chosen, once by the Lord and another by the parents - they are Doubly Blessed!  You to can receive this Double Blessing of God's sonship:

Romans 8:15 NASB  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"


God not only chose Joseph and Mary, but chose you too...

Lord bless all the adopted children and step parents this Christmas Season.  I thank you for first choosing me.