For You From The Word
[Joseph] was a just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame. (Matthew 1:19, ESV)
For You From The Word
Joseph faced a choice: his fiancée Mary was pregnant. What should he do?
From a personal standpoint, consider Joseph’s hurt and humiliation. The baby was not his and the truth would soon be known in his small village of Nazareth (population: 200).
The cultural expectation would be for Joseph to end their relationship and potentially have a hand in Mary’s social rejection (at the least) or her death by stoning (at the worst.)
Yet Joseph was “a just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame” (Matthew 1:19, ESV). His heart was open to taking the best course of action for all involved. Rather than operating impulsively, he approached the situation carefully and deliberately.
God honored Joseph’s willingness. In a dream, God gave Joseph clear validation about the paternity of the child. Joseph acted on the information, took Mary as his wife, and raised Jesus as his son.
Joseph’s choice is an example of honor to men whose partners face an unplanned pregnancy.
For You To Pray
Gracious Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus into the world so that we might live through Him. Work in the hearts of men whose partners face an unplanned pregnancy. Show them how to make honorable choices and take action in the best interests of all those involved.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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