Saturday, December 8, 2007

A just man, not just a man

Matthew 1:18-25 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." 22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel," which being interpreted is God with us. 24 Then Joseph, being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her first born Son: and he called His name JESUS.


The first thing the Bible tells us about Joseph, after listing his geneology and introducing him as being engaged to Mary, is that Joseph was a just man. That word just is the same word used in Romans 1:17, where the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith." The Biblical definition of the just are people who are morally upright, who have been declared "not guilty" by God. The just become just because of their faith. (Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 11:1-6, and more).

Joseph, being a just man, exhibited the qualities of a just man when he found out that Mary was expecting in Matthew 1. Three behaviors found in Joseph in Matthew 1 are, a concern for others, moderation and obedience.

Mary was found to be with child before she and Joseph came together. This means that there was no possible way the Child could have been Joseph's. Joseph, then, came to the most likely conclusion... Mary's been unfaithful. (I infer this because Joseph was minded to put her away, that decision was reversed when he found out Who the Child was).

Now, Joseph's reaction could have been to call Mary out publicly, call her bad names, and have her stoned. His reaction, though, was one that showed love and concern for Mary. He didn't want her killed or her reputation totally destroyed. So, he was minded to put her away privily. Joseph showed concern for Mary's well-being over the emotions he was probably feeling.

How often do we put our feelings aside in order to give priority to the well-being of those around us? How often do we respond with what's in the best interest of others over ourselves?

Leviticus 19:18 says "Thou shalt not avenge, or bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Which brings me to my next point. Joseph showed moderation. Upon learning that Mary was expecting, he was minded to put her away privily, but, "while he thought on these things (verse 20)..." He put some time and thought into the matter. Most men probably would have kicked their fiancees/wives to the curb the second infidelity was suspected. Not Joseph. He "thought on these things." He wanted to think things through and make a good decision. His deliberation process allowed him the opportunity to seek God's will in the matter. And if he wasn't seeking God's will, his thinking allowed God's will to find him.

Joseph didn't react rashly. He was determined to make a good decision that would please God. He showed moderation. Oh, how there would be more harmony in the Lord's churches if the "just" would just exhibit more moderation. All too often, we stand poised and ready to attack. I can personally testify that such actions have taken place against me. There have been those who sought to discredit my ministry based on an emotional whim. To some, I reacted in the same manner.

We see the effects of rash behavior in our association meetings. This is a shame. But the need for moderation extends beyond the church buildings and association meetings. The Bible teaches that the "just," the "saved" are ambassadors for Christ on earth. So, when McDonald's gets your order wrong, you can (a) eat it anyway, (b) politely tell them of the error and ask (nicely) to have it corrected (I even apologize for complaining, it helps smooth an uncomfortable situation), or (c) yell at them for their incompetence. I could care less whether you choose (a) or (b), but (c) will do great damage to your testimony and the testimony of all saved people, especially if you have that tirade during Sunday lunch hour.

Finally, Joseph showed obedience. When the angel of the Lord advised Joseph that the Child in Mary's womb was of the Holy Ghost, and she would give birth to Christ, the angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take her as his wife. So, Joseph complied. He married Mary, and "knew her not" until after Christ was born. He obeyed what God told him through the angel of the Lord.

To exhibit the qualities of a "just" person, we must obey what is taught in the Bible. We must obey God's word. We dont get special passes for special circumstances. It is disobedience to stir strife and contention among the brethren. It is disobedience to divorce your spouse because they no longer please you. It is disobedience to not spread the Gospel. It is disobedience to fail to hold fast the profession of our faith. It is disobedience to not love one another.

Joseph was called to marry a woman whose first Child would not be his. He was called to overcome the emotional turmoil this would bring. He was called to take on the responsibility of raising a Son, Who not only wasn't his biological Son, but also the Son of God. Joseph was a man, but his being "just" called him to be more than a man. If we are to exhibit the same qualities of Joseph, we must be more than mere men to. We can't just be comfortable having the normal reactions. We have to go above and beyond.... because a just man, is not just a man.

No comments: