by[18] “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. [20] But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 1:18-20 (NKJV)
While growing up in my late teens and early twenties, I started reading many books from elite Christian authors about godly marriage and dating. From their research, I discovered that many men think so deeply before they talk, unlike most women who speak as they think. I believe this contrast has been well established by God to foster balance in relationships, although many don’t understand. However, aside from what I read in the books about men, I noticed that it was demonstrated by Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, in the Bible.
Joseph was betrothed to Mary. So, they were engaged couples that people knew about. He wasn’t the one who had an encounter with the angel Gabriel about Jesus’ birth. But because he was Mary’s fiancé, she told him. Immediately, Joseph started thinking of divorcing her. But again, he was quite slow, I mean, not spontaneous. Apart from not wanting to disgrace Mary publicly, Joesph was a man. He did what many men do today: to take time to think about major decisions.
But upon contemplating his decisions, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying he shouldn’t be afraid to take Mary home as his wife. Imagine if he had rushed with his decision. Mary could have been stoned to death because, in those days, fornication was punishable by death through stoning. Dear one, don’t make major decisions so fast. Build your intimacy with God so you can hear what He says about your life anytime you approach Him with a case to handle.
You are a blessing.
Also read: The Pain of God’s Promise
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace in my life. Show me what to do whenever I come before You with an issue bothering me. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 355
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