Day 3 - Joseph

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

Reflect: Mary and Joseph were espoused to each other, similar to an engagement today. They were not yet married and living together, and did not know each other intimately. Mary being pregnant during this time could cause a lot of problems. The law gave Joseph the right to divorce her, bringing shame upon her and her family, and the Jewish authorities would have had reason to stone her to death. Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness carried a severe social stigma and Joseph now had to decide how it would be carried.

   Joseph was a man of integrity. When faced with this situation, he decided to divorce Mary quietly (“put her away privily” v.19). Even though his supposed wife appeared to be unfaithful to him, Joseph intended to act out of justice, love, and mercy, attempting to keep the public shame Mary would face to a minimum. Only two options seemed apparent to Joseph, divorce Mary or have her stoned. God, however, brought another option to mind - marry her (v. 20-23). 

   God showed Joseph that there were more options than what he believed, and Joseph was faithful to follow God’s lead. Joseph obeyed God, knowing that he would face disapproval and shame from others as a result of the decision he was making.

Respond: Our society is heavily focused on the reactions and approval of others. Being faithful to God will not always be easy. There are times that we must make a decision that the world will laugh at us for. Do you have the faith to stay faithful, even in the hard times? When you face opposition and others stand against your beliefs, will you be able to put all your trust in God? Pray that God will give you clear direction in hard situations.