JOSEPH AND MARY

Matthew 1:16
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
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God had promised long before Abraham that a Redeemer would come. When Abraham was called, he was given the promise that “through his seed” all of the world would be blessed. Later on, one of Abraham's descendants, David, was given the same promise, Messiah would come through his loins, and would also reign as King.

Had Christ not redeemed us from the power of the devil, the work of redemption would not be perfect. But what does Scripture say? It says that just for this purpose Christ came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. And in doing so, God had used two obedient individual – Joseph and Mary.

Imagine the gossip, the rumors, the pointing fingers, the whispers behind the back, the judgment and rejection that faced this young couple, on the verge of beginning their life together. The Scriptures tell us that Joseph was a righteous man. He was a man of character, integrity, and the highest of moral standards. The love and faith was also for Mary. Joseph loved Mary enough to stay with her despite her being pregnant. He loved her enough to raise God’s Son as his very own. He had faith in her and in God that what the angel had predicted would indeed come true.

The devil has no more claim upon us; he is no longer our master, but the Lord Jesus is our kind and merciful King, who has established His throne in our hearts. And in our dear Lord and Savior we have everything to make our happiness complete. The devil can no longer accuse us, and we can victoriously withstand his temptations.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, Who loved us so much that You sent Your Son, born of a virgin who was engaged to a righteous man, we are so grateful for Your unselfish act of creation. We offer to You our lives, our beings, our obedience, and we ask that You would help us to live as You call us to live. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen +

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.