Morning Moments

From our text in Matthew and Luke we are discovering some wonderful things about Joseph, the husband of Mary. We are referring to Joseph as the key figure who was Silently Surrendered. Although no record exists in the Scripture of him speaking, we discover that he was a man of action.

He was a JUST man – not judgmental or jealous.

He was a RESPECTFUL man – not ruthless or reckless.

He was a MEDITATIVE man – not mean or mad.

He was an OPEN man – not obstinate or obsessive. We can be so hard headed, so narrow minded, and so bull headed that we are not open to new light on old truth. God reveals secrets to those who have a hearing heart and an open mind. Now don’t misunderstand me, for this does not mean that we are so gullible that we swallow everything hook, line, and sinker. Joseph did not respond to the truth about his fiancé’s pregnancy with “that is impossible,” or “why should I be the one to face all this?” The sheep heard the Shepherd voice and they follow Him. That was the case with Joseph.

He was a COURAGEOUS man – not cowardly or compromising. “Hey Joe, they tell us the love of your life went to visit her aunt Elizabeth. What’s wrong man, she can’t stand being with you? Ha ha ha.” “Your little honey is putting on a little weight, huh Joe?” We don’t know if anyone ever said such things to Joseph, but if you observe human nature, regardless of the culture, you see that people are the same all over. Young guys like to joke about things and young girls like to talk about them. When Joseph got a word from God on this matter that was all he needed. No debate, no discussion, no doubt!

He was a FRIEND of the Father, but not the father. You can be sure that if Abraham was a friend of God, and David was a man after God’s own heart, the Joseph who was not the father of this child was certainly a friend of the Father. When God spoke, he listened. A friend loves at all times. A friend appreciates the advice of a friend. Joseph’s Friend, who was the real Father of this Child, wants to be your Friend and mine. Can you think of a better one?
In conclusion, I know of no other man who contributed so much to God’s Nativity plan, yet no record is recorded of anything he SAID. God had spoken, and had done what He said He would and nothing more needed to be said. END OF STORY.