Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 19th March 2020 – The Man Joseph
TOPIC: The Man Joseph
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25
MESSAGE: Joseph was engaged to Mary and that engagement was carried out in purity and holiness. Though they were planning for marriage, they were not living or sleeping together. You can imagine the embarrassment of Joseph seeing Mary already pregnant when he never slept with her. Joseph was described as a just man(v.19);he thought of ways to put Mary away discreetly without causing shame to her. Mary was also a virgin up to that moment(v.23). In the midst of the embarrassment, Joseph was still thoughtful. He is really a good example to men. The trend today is that even before there is a mention of marriage proposal or after it, the two partners will start living or sleeping together almost immediately. Even where the marriage matures, the bride comes to the altar with pregnancy and still covers her face with a veil (sign of ‘purity’).
Daily Fountain Devotional 19th March 2020: Some of these partnerships may collapse on the way and bring shame, especially to the lady. Thank God that He intervened and saved Joseph the embarrassment. Again, Joseph showed his maturity by not sleeping with Mary even while she was carrying the pregnancy(v.25). We thank God the controversy did not overshadow the birth of the Saviour of the world- God manifested His power that a virgin could get pregnant without sexual relationship with a man.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord may You help me to emulate the maturity of Joseph in handling thorny marital issues and family issues.
DAILY QUOTE: “Whatever makes men good Christians; makes them good citizens.” – Daniel Webster
PREVIOUS: The Lord is with You in All Situations