December 08, 2023: How Far Can God Trust You?

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18, ESV)
 
Have you ever wondered how Joseph was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus? Did God throw a bunch of names into a box and pick one? Not hardly. I believe God knew exactly what He was doing when He chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus! You do not pick just any man to be the earthly father of Jesus. You pick the best—a man who has been tested and who can raise Jesus in righteousness.

God chose Joseph because he was of the house and lineage of David. But there were others in the family line of David too. What set Joseph apart from the others we learn from him in stories of Jesus' birth. Joseph was a man of integrity and mercy. When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, he wanted to divorce her quietly. That speaks of the mercy that Joseph walked in. He wanted to do it quietly, which speaks of his desire to tenderly care for the human heart. 

Joseph walked in integrity after the angel told him to take Mary as his wife. He abstained from all sexual relations until after the birth of Christ. Thus, he was a man of purity. Joseph was a man chosen by God because God could trust him to raise His Son. How far can God trust you?