A Mature Man Of Faith, Part 2

A Mature Man of Faith, Part 2

Yesterday we began to see a bit about Joseph and his depth of character. I have called him a mature man of faith because of his reaction when he was disappointed by his fiancée, Mary. Joseph had already paid the dowry for Mary—the high, high price he had given her father. He had entered into the covenant relationship, had drunk the cup of the covenant, and had gone to prepare a place for Mary, to come back and take her as his wife.

After Joseph heard of her being with child and responding with thoughtfulness, the angel appeared to Joseph and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Matthew 1:20-21 tells us, “‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”

What did Joseph do after his visit with the angel? Matthew 1:24-25 says, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” Was Joseph afraid? Yes. Was obeying God risky? Yes. Did it require a sacrifice? Absolutely. Yet Joseph obeyed.

Remember, a mature man of faith listens to God’s instruction and obeys it. We would be wise to do the same.

“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:20-21