The Step-Dad

“Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…” Luke 1:16

Joseph’s t-shirt would have said “Life Is Good.” Things were fine today and tomorrow looked fabulous. He had a good job. He wouldn’t make it rich being a carpenter, but he could make it. He’d been able to build a home for him…actually for them. He was getting married! Married to Mary. She was a good girl, a Godly girl –- just a great girl! And she was going to be his.

She kind of was his already. The best way to describe it would be that they were legal but not lovers. But one day, hopefully soon, he could go get his bride and bring her home.

Then she turned up pregnant. How could she?? Why would she?? She was God’s. She was his. She wasn’t supposed to be anybody elses!! The emotions tumbled over each other in his heart. Anger. Betrayal. Shame.

“Stone her!!” some said. “Pile pain on the one who hurt you.” But Joseph couldn’t. His heart was broken but not bent on revenge. His dream would die, but Mary wouldn’t die with it.

He fell asleep. “It’s ok, Joseph, and it’s all good. You’re right. She’s mine, she’s yours, she’s not anybody elses, and she hasn’t been. The baby is mine – the promised Messiah – and you will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. Wake up, Joseph, and step in. Step into a situation that looks worse than it really is. Step into a marriage that will always be marked by suspicion. Step into fatherhood and be a dad to the One who gave you life.”

And Joseph did. He stepped into the mess and married Mary. He stepped up his self-discipline and didn’t sleep with her until after Jesus was born. And he stepped out – out from his comfortable Nazareth to busy Bethlehem to exotic Egypt as he obeyed his Heavenly Father and protected the Father’s Son.

How appropriate that Joseph was Jesus' step-dad.


Time For A Little R&R

RECOGNIZE
What is God asking you to step into or step up to today?
RESPOND
Thank Him for being willing to step down from heaven for you and obediently step out for Him.