“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Matthew 13:55a NIV
I find it interesting that God, who made the universe and everything in it, chose a carpenter to be his earthly dad. Who better to understand God’s love for His creation than a carpenter? But why this carpenter, why Joseph? Of all the roles God assigns to man, this one was of utmost importance, and was not going to be easy! We’re not told too much about Joseph, but we can glean a few clues as to why God selected him.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18 NASB
Joseph had to be a man of faith, for it was going to take a lot of faith to believe that Mary had not been unfaithful, but was pregnant by an act of God. He had to not only believe the prophecy of Isaiah that the Messiah would be born to a virgin, but He had to believe that God was fulfilling that in Mary. It’s easier to believe the written word of God than to personalize it in our own lives. Men of faith trust that God’s promises apply in their circumstances. They recognize God’s hand at work and learn to identify His promises as they come to pass in their own experiences.
And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:19-21 NASB
Joseph was a righteous man. He desired to please God and embraced His standard of right and wrong. He was also a compassionate man with a sincere love for Mary. He carefully considered his options in light of God’s law and Mary’s best interest. No doubt his heart to obey God and protect Mary’s reputation was pleasing to the Lord. When you have a genuine desire to do the right thing, God will always guide you in the right choice. He spoke to Joseph in a dream and gave him the wisdom and assurance he needed.
And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25 NASB
Joseph was obedient to the command of God. He trusted the plan as the Lord had revealed it to him and he acted in faith and obedience. He did not pursue his own desires but kept Mary pure as God desired.
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 NASB
God with us! Can you imagine what it was like for Joseph to hold God in his arms, to have this little baby cuddle up and sleep on his chest, knowing it was God in the flesh? This simple carpenter accepted the plans that his master builder had designed for his life. How about you? Will you exercise the faith of Joseph and believe that God is active and working in your life and circumstances? Will you trust Him when things are turning out different than you ever imagined? If so, your role may not be as monumental as Joseph’s but you can be sure God will use you in amazing ways!