In most manger scenes Joseph is just a guy in the background behind Mary and the shepherds and the wise men. But we men need to pay attention to that guy in the background of our manger scenes. In Matthew 1:18-25, men find three qualities from Joseph’s life to imitate.
First: Be a righteous man. Though Joseph didn’t have the whole story when he first discovered Mary was pregnant, he knew he wasn’t the father. The only conclusion he could draw at this point was that his fiancé had been unfaithful to him. So, he decided to break off the engagement. His walk with God mattered to him—and her walk with God mattered to him, too. Like Joseph, we men need to develop our own spiritual self-discipline in all areas, and then let those around us feel the weight of our influence.
Second: Be a merciful man. Matthew 1:19 says, “Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.” His plan to break the engagement was evidence of his righteousness; his plan to break the engagement privately was evidence of his mercy. It’s a rare thing to see both character and compassion in the same life today. Joseph was both righteous and merciful, and it’s a characteristic for Christian men to imitate.
Third: Be an obedient man. When Joseph was told to proceed with his planned marriage to Mary, he “did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24). It’s notable that the angel said, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Joseph knew that obeying God on this matter would deeply complicate his life, but he said yes. It’s still true that God calls on us men to do hard things. It’s in those times we must decide what God’s leadership really means to us.
Pray that the men who are important to you rise to the honorable example of Joseph!
One more thing: When you bring people to Hillcrest this December, they can pick up their own free copy of the book John Parker and I wrote. It’s called Repeat the Sounding Joy: The Four Christmas Carols of Luke’s Gospel. Or you can buy copies for them as “stocking stuffers.” The books cost $3.99 at Amazon (https://amzn.to/3ijkZQm), or purchase them in the church office during the week and save shipping.
Tom
Tom Goodman serves as pastor at Hillcrest Church in Austin, Texas. His sermons are available on YouTube and the HillcrestToGo Podcast and you can find him on Facebook and Twitter. If someone forwarded this email newsletter to you, sign up here to receive Tom’s weekly devotional in your email inbox.