As Mary set out on her journey to visit her cousin Elisabeth, he must have questioned if he had made the right decision. Was this the young woman that he should marry? As the days passed and he continued his work, he may have begun to forget her face, what she looked like. (This is something that we certainly do as we spend time apart from loved ones, not knowing when we will see them again and how much different will they look as time passes). As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, this is certainly a possibility. Why would she stay away so long? Didn't she love him? What could the two cousins possibly have to converse about that would keep her away so long? His concentration at work may have began slipping. After all, there is nothing quite like love that will keep you dangling on the edge of the string. Maybe she was playing games with him. Taking his love and offer of a life together for granted. As he struggled with the range of emotions; doubt, fear, anger, jealousy and pride may have left him twisting and tied up in knots. His love for this girl was shaken, but his choice was clear. To love her no matter what.
His heart leaped within him as she came back home. He could hardly contain his joy, just as many a man before and since have done. To see the one they love come back to them, when their minds have been filled with doubts. But the news he would hear today would cause those crushing waves of doubt, to overcome him. They paved the way for him to call off the engagement. It was over. Dreams were dashed, she had broken his trust and love was slipping away. Unrequited love is not an easy thing to take and after months of going back and forth in his mind, it was time to let go. She was pregnant and he knew that the child within her was not his. Her story did not add up and rather than carry on a love/hate relationship with her....The futility of him still trying to love her through this was too much for him. Though his heart was breaking, he agreed to secretly call it off. What was he going to do? He had looked forward to spending the rest of his days with her. But it was not to be.
As he lay in bed, his mind was racing and his heart was crushed. The hours passed and he could not sleep. This was the worst thing that had ever happened to him. How could she? What was she thinking? Why not tell him right away instead of dragging it out? Was she afraid of him? Why would she be afraid to tell him? What did this say about him as a man? Wasn't he good and loving to her? Maybe he had done something to make her feel that he would not have a positive reaction to her news. He was weary from the thoughts. All he wanted was rest. Sleep did not come easy, but it was coming, for his mind and heart were so tired. All he wanted was to drift off..... His dreams began in such a rush of different emotions. Everything was unfocused, not clear and fuzzy. As things began to make sense, he saw a man talking to him. No wait, this was an angel. What could he want with him? As the angel spoke and cleared up the confusion, Joseph finally understood what he must do. Hope and Love were still alive! He and Mary would still be married and raise this child! This child given to her by the Holy Spirit and He would rescue their people. Save them from their sins! He was to name the boy, Jesus!
He ran to tell Mary the news, that he did believe her! They were so happy! But soon they would leave their hometown and travel to Bethlehem. Joseph was a descendant of David and had to travel to the birthplace of his ancestor for the census. By this time Mary was showing and the talk began around town. The scandal and looks that this caused was uncomfortable, but they knew the truth about what had taken place. They were above reproach and it only mattered that they pleased God. (Sometimes the best thing to do in the face of oppression is to remain silent, a trait that Jesus himself would show towards the end of his life. Besides, there is no way to win an argument with people whose minds are already made up about a matter). And so, they began the treacherous journey. His thoughts of Mary's comfort and safety were at the forefront of his mind. He would walk as she rode the donkey. He would stay awake and keep watch as she slept. The traits of a good husband and a just man were personified in all that he did. The crowds had already gathered to the little town and the inns were packed with people from all over. The town was bursting at the seams and the journey had left Joseph and Mary as some of the last to make it into town. No room. No room. So they had to make do in a carved out cave for animals. Joseph was beside himself, feeling that he had failed Mary. But she took it in stride and told him it was OK. She would have the baby here and lay him in the feeding trough. The Son of God born to feed the world. Born to feed all who would come and acknowledge their hunger for Him.
Over the years and the other journeys they would make together, Joseph probably questioned if he were the right man for this task. What could he possibly teach God's Son? What could he offer to the One who would offer Himself for all of mankind? But he loved his boy, his divine step-son. He taught him the tools of the trade, passed on what he knew. Like any father, feelings of inadequacy may have crept in. In his case, they were probably quite intimidating. But Jesus was no ordinary child and probably did not allow Joseph to feel inferior to Him. Obedient to his earthly parents, learning as they taught. They could not have had a more perfect child! I imagine they were so proud of Him, and for good reason. A great big brother and helper around the house. Joseph's apprentice, who would learn construction work and how to swing a hammer. As He drove those nails and Joseph watched, the contrast of their thoughts were unknown to Joseph. He may have imagined his son, becoming the greatest carpenter Israel would ever know. And he would be right. But in Jesus' mind, He knew that to please His Father would require being on the recieving end of those nails one day, the purpose for which He came.
His heart leaped within him as she came back home. He could hardly contain his joy, just as many a man before and since have done. To see the one they love come back to them, when their minds have been filled with doubts. But the news he would hear today would cause those crushing waves of doubt, to overcome him. They paved the way for him to call off the engagement. It was over. Dreams were dashed, she had broken his trust and love was slipping away. Unrequited love is not an easy thing to take and after months of going back and forth in his mind, it was time to let go. She was pregnant and he knew that the child within her was not his. Her story did not add up and rather than carry on a love/hate relationship with her....The futility of him still trying to love her through this was too much for him. Though his heart was breaking, he agreed to secretly call it off. What was he going to do? He had looked forward to spending the rest of his days with her. But it was not to be.
As he lay in bed, his mind was racing and his heart was crushed. The hours passed and he could not sleep. This was the worst thing that had ever happened to him. How could she? What was she thinking? Why not tell him right away instead of dragging it out? Was she afraid of him? Why would she be afraid to tell him? What did this say about him as a man? Wasn't he good and loving to her? Maybe he had done something to make her feel that he would not have a positive reaction to her news. He was weary from the thoughts. All he wanted was rest. Sleep did not come easy, but it was coming, for his mind and heart were so tired. All he wanted was to drift off..... His dreams began in such a rush of different emotions. Everything was unfocused, not clear and fuzzy. As things began to make sense, he saw a man talking to him. No wait, this was an angel. What could he want with him? As the angel spoke and cleared up the confusion, Joseph finally understood what he must do. Hope and Love were still alive! He and Mary would still be married and raise this child! This child given to her by the Holy Spirit and He would rescue their people. Save them from their sins! He was to name the boy, Jesus!
He ran to tell Mary the news, that he did believe her! They were so happy! But soon they would leave their hometown and travel to Bethlehem. Joseph was a descendant of David and had to travel to the birthplace of his ancestor for the census. By this time Mary was showing and the talk began around town. The scandal and looks that this caused was uncomfortable, but they knew the truth about what had taken place. They were above reproach and it only mattered that they pleased God. (Sometimes the best thing to do in the face of oppression is to remain silent, a trait that Jesus himself would show towards the end of his life. Besides, there is no way to win an argument with people whose minds are already made up about a matter). And so, they began the treacherous journey. His thoughts of Mary's comfort and safety were at the forefront of his mind. He would walk as she rode the donkey. He would stay awake and keep watch as she slept. The traits of a good husband and a just man were personified in all that he did. The crowds had already gathered to the little town and the inns were packed with people from all over. The town was bursting at the seams and the journey had left Joseph and Mary as some of the last to make it into town. No room. No room. So they had to make do in a carved out cave for animals. Joseph was beside himself, feeling that he had failed Mary. But she took it in stride and told him it was OK. She would have the baby here and lay him in the feeding trough. The Son of God born to feed the world. Born to feed all who would come and acknowledge their hunger for Him.
Over the years and the other journeys they would make together, Joseph probably questioned if he were the right man for this task. What could he possibly teach God's Son? What could he offer to the One who would offer Himself for all of mankind? But he loved his boy, his divine step-son. He taught him the tools of the trade, passed on what he knew. Like any father, feelings of inadequacy may have crept in. In his case, they were probably quite intimidating. But Jesus was no ordinary child and probably did not allow Joseph to feel inferior to Him. Obedient to his earthly parents, learning as they taught. They could not have had a more perfect child! I imagine they were so proud of Him, and for good reason. A great big brother and helper around the house. Joseph's apprentice, who would learn construction work and how to swing a hammer. As He drove those nails and Joseph watched, the contrast of their thoughts were unknown to Joseph. He may have imagined his son, becoming the greatest carpenter Israel would ever know. And he would be right. But in Jesus' mind, He knew that to please His Father would require being on the recieving end of those nails one day, the purpose for which He came.
RSS Feed
