Angels, shepherds, Mary, and the Magi typically command our attention in the Christmas Story. But tucked between the Lines stands a man not to be overlooked: Joseph. His compelling life lends itself to an intriguing interview.
Joseph,
What was it like to have an angel interrupt your sleep on multiple occasions?
Lacking the benefit of text messaging, when did you and Mary have occasion to share your separate angelic encounters?
Furthermore, how did you muster the courage to take Mary as your wife when the local rumor mill must have made you look immoral?
Describe for us the journey to Bethlehem. Without an SUV and Starbucks Christmas blend, what comfort did you offer to Mary as the two of you traveled from Nazareth?
Did you pray or did you panic when no Airbnb’s were available?
Without 911 to call, how did you respond when Mary made it clear that the Baby was on His way?
When Jesus was born, you actually were the world’s very first witness. Did you tell the shepherds this Baby was the One to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21, NIV)?
Joseph, what advice do you have to offer 21st century Believers about choosing to trust God?
While answers to these questions must be postponed until heaven, the life of this man inspires us today. Two character qualities make him a mentor in his own right.
Joseph was righteous.
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man … (Matthew 1:19, Berean Study Bible).
Joseph was obedient.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:20, 24, NIV).
Thus, righteous, obedient Joseph was prepared for his part in the birth of the Son of God.
A modern day mindset tells you and me that preparation depends ultimately on leadership courses, doctorate degrees, or sophisticated seminars. But hold on; the best life coaching for God’s readiness in our lives actually comes from the Holy Spirit, Who cultivates righteousness and motivates obedience within each of us as Christ followers.
Just like Joseph, you and I possess the opportunity today to pursue righteousness and invest in obedience. As we persevere in Living With Eternal Intentionality®, these choices may well lead us to our own Bethlehem. One thing for sure, God’s Spirit will make certain we are personally prepared for God’s Greater Story, whether we find ourselves at a soup kitchen or a kitchen sink, a classroom or a board room, a changing table or a checkout line.
Righteousness makes us qualified; obedience makes us ready. I like that, don’t you?
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
What further question would you like to ask Joseph?
How does his genealogy contribute to God’s plan of destiny for him?
What if Joseph refused to obey God’s instructions?
