"But when he had thought this over, 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.”
Joseph set aside his carpentry and traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to Jerusalem. It was about 80 miles 8-day trip. He apparently considered it worthwhile investing in spiritual priorities. His role as husband and father took commitment. Synagogue services and trips to the temple were a priority for him.
Not only did he tenderly care for Mary after the birth of Jesus, but he fulfilled the religious custom of circumcision and went to Jerusalem for their purification and sacrifice to God according to the Law of Moses. (Luke 2:22-24). He arranged for travel to Egypt as instructed by an angel to protect the young child who was to be king of the Jews from Herod’s edict to slaughter of children under two years of age. When it was safe he traveled back home.
Jesus grew in four important ways. in stature, in wisdom, and in favor of God and man. (Luke 2:52), Under Joseph’s care God saw to it Jesus was born into a family with a father who would adopt Him as his own to teach Him how to get along with other boys and girls and to learn a trade. Joseph took this boy on loan to him and taught him to cut trees, plain planks and build houses and furniture as a carpenter.
When Jesus was around 12 Joseph took the family and journeyed with relatives to the temple as was his annual custom. Jesus’ parents realized on their return Jesus was nowhere among the pilgrims. They rushed back to Jerusalem in a panic. After a three day search, they found Jesus sitting there in conversation with scholars. Mary was upset. “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been so worried looking for you.” Jesus answered, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I must be about my father’s business?” (Luke 2:48-50).
The father took the lead in religious responsibility. He was responsible for providing for his family food, clothes, money, and taught his children the ways of God.
Mary Brent Whiteside wrote this poem:
“None shall make a yoke of plow better than mine own,
But this child, whose sunlit brow
Holds the kiss of angels now-He will build a throne.
“Mine to teach his little hands; He shall learn the whole.
Craft the workman understands;
But in this and wiser lands, He will guide the soul.
“I shall show him tricks of birds, where the sparrows build their nests,
Teach him lore of fleecy herds;
But his heart will hold the words
Hid in sages’ breasts.
“Mine to teach the lower ways, Little secrets of the sod:
His to guide in later days,
Where celestial torches blaze, In the light of God.”
Joseph did not understand all that Jesus was saying or doing, but He acted by obeying the word God had already spoken to him. By loving God, Joseph loved Jesus, and by following God, Joseph led his son out of the house into adulthood and into the purpose for which he was born.
He was a spiritual father.
Application: Even though we may not understand all God calls us to do, we too are to act in obedience to the Word God has already given us.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be attentive to Your calling and obey where You lead me.
