LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 17th December 2021
JOSEPH: A JUST MAN
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. Matthew 1:18–19
What do you do when someone you deeply love does something you deeply hate? Joseph was in love with Mary. He intended to spend the rest of his life with her. Now, Joseph discovered to the shock of his life that the virtuous woman he wanted to marry was pregnant. The obvious inference was that Mary had acted sinfully and betrayed Joseph.
How would you have reacted if you were in Joseph’s situation?
People who feel deeply hurt in a relationship usually respond negatively. Some seek immediate revenge with an intention to inflict pain on the one who caused the hurt. Others respond by withdrawing and hiding to brood and sulk over what has happened to them.
Joseph’s response to Mary’s situation was neither for vengeance nor to shy away from the problem. He faced his pain courageously without seeking to cause harm to the woman at the center of his disappointment. By the custom of his day, Joseph had to annul the marriage and report the woman to the religious council, who were likely to have her suffer the consequences – stoning in the public square.
Joseph was a just man. The character and compassion of Joseph is revealed in this story. He chose to annul the relationship as was required by the law and custom of his day. But he wanted to do it in a way that would not injure Mary’s reputation. Though he had the law on his side, Joseph also considered mercy and grace.
Judging by Joseph’s response, it is obvious why God chose him for this special assignment. The Lord knew he had the right spiritual, moral and mental makeup to manage such an unusual task.
We learn from Joseph that we can show mercy even when we have a legitimate reason to punish someone who has so offended us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me what to do when I’m deeply hurt. Give me the strength to act virtuously when I feel offended. In Jesus’ name, Amen.