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. 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.”

--Matthew 1:19-20

Joseph was a young, Middle-Easterner who was looking forward to the day when he and his betrothed, Mary, could live as husband and wife. It didn’t matter much that he was poor because the two of them shared a deep love for each other and an undying devotion to God. Joseph was perfectly content with spending his days making wood products for the people of his village.

But there came a day when devastating news shattered his future—Mary was pregnant. He knew he wasn’t the father, but considering how things were handled in his day, he handled the situation gallantly. He never deserted her because he knew that she faced a prospect worse than his own embarrassment—public humiliation and disgrace.

As a result, Joseph devised a plan to deal with the issue privately. He decided to end things with her quietly. But before he could put his plan into action, a messenger from the Lord told him this baby in her womb wasn’t bad news. In fact, it would bring forth the best news the world had ever known. His betrothed would give birth to the Messiah—the “child through the Holy Spirit” (v. 18).

The angel instructed Joseph to go ahead with his marriage to Mary and call the baby “Jesus.” And that’s exactly what he did. He followed the Lord’s command with no questions asked and therefore, Joseph became a real man of God. He was fair, devoted, compassionate, and obedient to the Lord. No matter your age, you can find an example of a man of God in Joseph the carpenter.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to build in you the character, love, faithfulness, and devotion that Joseph displayed in his life. Pray that when circumstances come your way, you will handle the situation gallantly and justly.

Click here to visit Senior Living Ministry’s website