It has just been in the last couple of years that Joseph became an endearing part of the Christmas story. All right, I confess, it was after I watched “The Nativity” that his role really hit home. I liked how the director portrayed him, what can I say?
We know that legally Joseph could have had Mary stoned to death for having someone else’s child. But Matthew 1:19 states “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.”
Because Joseph was righteous.
Again, we forget that Joseph had a life before scripture writes about him. What made Joseph righteous? Where did he learn it? We know few things about him, but we do know that he was a carpenter and not a Rabbi. He wasn’t ‘called into full-time ministry”, if you will. He was creative and worked with his hands. Scripture tells us he was righteous, showed compassion and was obedient.
Think about it for a minute. God, the Father, entrusted Joseph with the task of teaching God, the Son, the stories of His faithfulness, mercy, love and justice.
Because Joseph was righteous.
Not because Joseph promised to “give up” whatever sin he was committing at the time. Not because Joseph promised to “never do it again”. God chose Joseph because he already was righteous.
Joseph’s righteousness, like Mary’s faith, led him to action. Joseph went with Mary to Bethlehem. He gave the child the name Jesus. He protected Mary and Jesus by taking them to Egypt, etc.
Maybe you don’t want to be described as righteous? I mean, Joseph’s righteousness led him to be counter-cultural. He couldn’t go along with the crowd; he couldn’t do what everyone else was doing. There was no instant gratification or revenge for being wronged. There was just trust and obedience.
The question is: What do you want more, this world’s version of “the good life” or do you want to be righteous?
Lord—may we desire to be righteous before we can see the plans you have us. Grant us the desire to be different and not to settle for cheap versions of right living. Drive us deeper, deeper into your heart, plans, hopes, and dreams for us. Keep us living with the end in mind.