December 8, 2018
Matthew 1:18-20
“Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly.” -Matthew 1:19
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” -Matthew 1:19 (NIV)
Bold:
• fearless before danger
• showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit
• standing out prominently
• being or set in
Today’s scripture tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. I like to think he was a sensitive man as well, he cared for Mary and her reputation by deciding on dismissing her quietly and not have her publicly humiliated or worse yet, be killed. He was a righteous man and according to the law could have had Mary stoned for her pregnancy, but instead he chose grace and mercy. He displayed BOLD grace when punishment was well within the law. I mentioned in an earlier post that God found “favor” in Mary and the He knew the kind of mother she would be to Jesus. I absolutely believe that Joseph also found favor in God. Even before the arrival of the Son of God, God knew the kind of father, earthly father Joseph would be to His Son, Jesus. Joseph already had the skills and insights as to how to treat others with grace and mercy. These two things would become cornerstones of Jesus’ ministry, Grace and Mercy! Mary and Joseph both loved God and we’re obedient to their call to parent, Jesus. Joseph was a “Grace Giving Radical” long before it was the right “thing” to do!
Both, Mary and Joseph BOLDLY lived their lives in service to God, practicing Grace and Mercy from the very beginning. They helped build a foundation of strong principles as parents and children of God. Although, this season is about the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy, let’s pause today and recognize the significance and importance of the individual roles Mary and Joseph played in the story of the birth of the Messiah. Also, let’s look for situations to extend grace and mercy today.
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C.S. Lewis
Prayer:
Lord, may my life full of grace and mercy. Amen.
Thought provoking quote from C. S. Lewis:
“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”
Be bold for Christ today!
~Peace and Blessings~
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
You must be logged in to post a comment.