Remember Joseph ?

Today my daily reading mentioned Joseph and I realised I have never really given him much of a thought. And so I did ! 😊

Who was this man that God chose to adopt as His earthly father? What was it that set him apart?

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19)

Where did Joseph learn to be a husband even before he was one? How did he learn to show compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and sacrificial love to his fiancée who, by all appearances, didn’t deserve it?

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24)

How did Joseph possess that “quiet confidence” to trust God? What did he say to his family? Did Mary’s family think he was delusional?

”‘Where did this man (Jesus) get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked. ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?’” (Matthew 13:54-55)

From this verse, we understand that Joseph lived his life as an unassuming man. Completely unremarkable in the eyes of the world.

How did Joseph explain to himself what he was about to undertake for the rest of his life? Did he hope that God would explain it to him later, honor him for his obedience, compensate him for his sacrifice, or grant him a double portion of faith to keep believing?

But actually, God did none of that for Joseph.

How many times do we feel that God owes us an explanation for our struggles, honor for our obedience, compensation for our sacrifices, or a supernatural boost to keep trusting Him?

If you feel insignificant in your career, tired of doing the right thing, weary of doing good, or disappointed by the seemingly mundane roles you’ve been called to play, remember Joseph.

The greatest honor was his: he was the first person to see the face of Jesus. He is the only man God chose and entrusted to raise His Son.

Unremarkable? Maybe.

But in God’s eyes, Joseph was extraordinary.