Joseph bar Jacob. The son of Jacob, his father being a Patriarch of Jerusalem and former envoy (a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission) to Egypt at the request of Julius Caesar. (Quota.com) We know him simply as “Joseph” betroth to Mary and destined to become Jesus’ stepfather.
Are you a stepfather? Are you waiting for God to send you the man who will become the step father to your child or children? Are you being cautious about who you allow being your child or children’s stepfather?
It’s not easy loving someone else’s child or children! First off, the natural physical bond and emotion are not there; second, you are filling or sharing someone else’s shoes.
Those shoes may fit great next to yours, and the relationships are mutual and respectful. Those shoes may need to gently mold and shape but remember, a potter’s pot isn’t crafted in a day; this will be a lifelong process. Those shoes may need to undo emotional or physical scars left by the words or hands of another. Those shoes may squeeze and hurt because they’ve never been worn before, and the new person in your world doesn’t want you wearing them!
Joseph is a beautiful example of a godly man. A respected man. You can find his accounts in the four gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Joseph came from a very affluent family. I imagine his mother was all a tither, the rumors, the gossip, the embarrassment. Joseph’s betrothed is pregnant! Not only that, but the story she is claiming is preposterous. His father presumably warned him against a future relationship with this gal, let’s take care of it, but we will do so quietly!
God sent Joseph a dream! Joseph chose to believe the Lord rather then what the actual circumstances appeared to be. A godly man and a man of his word. He gave his word to Mary and he kept it and by doing so honored God. He showed obedience by his trust and faith in his God.
Patience, now here’s a word that’s a struggle for most. Mary was pregnant when they married. Joseph waited until after she gave birth to consummate his marriage! He needed to have patience as he was raising God’s son, talk about pressure. Jesus was a toddler into everything, a kid who forgot to put the hammer away after he, his brothers, and buddies used it to build a fort. He indeed needed patience as Jesus, at the age of 12, stayed behind after one trip to Jerusalem, celebrating a Passover feast. The family had to travel back three days to find him in the synagogue, teaching.
Patience, honor, and respect! Luke 2:49 NIV “Why were you searching for me?’ He asked, ‘didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house.” I don’t know, but that must have hurt Joseph’s heart a tiny bit but also knowing who Jesus was and carrying Mary’s secret all these years. He knew one day Jesus’ mission would begin, and as he stood on that dusty street, Mary gathering her son to take him home knew that the time was coming closer.
Unconditional Love! Joseph is a perfect example. He cast aside his pride for his betrothed. He ignored the rumors and side glances as he walked down the street. He took a child, not of him, and raised him, loved him, taught him, and stood back when the time came and let him go.
We didn’t hear anything of Joseph when Jesus was crucified as his stepfather, and having raised this boy from birth, was not his heart torn apart also. Tradition has it that Joseph, died somewhere between the incident at the temple when Jesus was 12 and the start of his public ministry at 30 or so. (Quota.com)
So whether you’re looking for a stepfather, considering a specific man to be your child or children’s stepfather, are about to become a stepfather, are already a stepfather, or one day the circumstances have you becoming a stepfather. Please, take a good look at the example of the step father who raised our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a valuable job not one to be taken lightly.
Thank you for joining me and be blessed this weekend! 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 