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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
In speaking of Joseph, Mary's betrothed husband, he is variously referred to as a "good man", a "righteous man" in the Greek text. The word can also man a "fair man", a "just man", etc.
It is recorded in the account of Jesus's birth by the virgin Mary, that Joseph was this kind of man. (Matthew 1:18-19). Compared to Mary and others, he receives relatively little attention in the scripture record. But what is said by and also about Joseph could shame many "good" men since then.
Many men in this world are what I call "good men", but as yet they are not "God's men", i.e. they are good men morally, and in many other ways. They are good men, in almost every category. But they are not, as yet, God's men. They may not even believe there is a God, or heaven, or hell - but, in every other way, they are "good men".
Years ago, an elderly lady and I were discussing a mutual friend who was not a Christian. However, he seemed in almost every way, a "good man" - no detrimental vices, no fowl word addiction, worked extremely hard in honest work, and financially successful without the pride that often goes with such a life. In our discussions about our prayers for him and others, we coined the phrase "the good man", just not God's man" yet. He still is "a good man" only. So there still is hope.
The relative silence concerning the Joseph in Mary's life is certainly intentional. First, the emphasis that God wanted to bring to bare was to be on Mary due to the necessity to have a witness to the virgin birth of Jesus. This inspired record served to emphasize the truth that God in Jesus had come to earth by no other means except by a miracle.
Also, various prophecies emphasize that birth without a human father, so that all that was to take place would be a picture of the miracle by God alone. Joseph had to be a man as close to perfect as a human can be in the flesh in order to be recognized publicly as the husband of Mary and the "father" of Jesus. To fulfill prophecy concerning Joseph and Mary, emphasis must be on the birth of Jesus by a "virgin". So not knowing events that were to occur, Joseph sought to protect the reputation of Mary and her unborn Child.
What an incredible honor to be selected to live the role of the "father" of Jesus. He must have been a "good man" as no other had been, or ever will be. In his role, he has become a model for all fathers who can look to Joseph, and be simply "a good man" who is subject to God's will and calling for his life. No compliment could be greater, or more honorable.
A great reward must certainly await the husband of Mary.
Men - how do you measure up to Joseph?
Joseph - a "good man".
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit. And her [promised] husband Joseph, being a just and upright man and not willing to expose her publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly". - Matthew 1:18-19
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