"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 1:18-21

 December 7

​"...Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant...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. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'" -Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)

​Have you ever been bitterly hurt and disappointed in someone? Joseph certainly was. He was a good man with strong beliefs. But his hurt and grief must have been deep and painful when he found out his beloved Mary was with child by another. He was prepared to do what was right, despite the pain he felt. When Joseph found out about her pregnancy, he must have been stunned knowing the child wasn't his. Joseph decided he had to break the engagement, but was determined to do it in ways that wouldn't cause public shame or harm to Mary. He intended to act with justice and love. However, God sent an angel as a messenger to Joseph explaining Mary's situation and offering a much better way for him.

​God told Joseph to take Mary as his wife. In spite of his grief, confusion, and pain, Joseph obeyed God. He agreed to eventually wed Mary, and care for her child. Joseph knew Jesus was someone special from the moment he heard the angel's words. His ability to forgive and willingness to follow God's directions empowered him to become the Messiah's earthly father. He would be faithful to name the child "Jesus," as the angel instructed. "Jesus" is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning "the Lord saves." Just as Joshua had led Israel into the Promised Land, so Jesus would lead God's people into salvation and eternal life. In Jesus' name, people are still being healed, demons banished, and sins forgiven. Joseph's forgiveness changed the world. So can your love and forgiveness!

​Prayer: God, Give me Joseph's loving ability to forgive. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: God can transform despair to hope.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)