We are almost done with our Proverbs 31 Men series with only one more entry next week. This week, I want to look at Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, and I want to say as we start that Joseph qualifies as a Proverbs 31 man. One of the stipulations to qualify for that category is that a man honored women and used his life and strength to serve others. Joseph obviously did this, but there is much more we can learn from him even though the Bible says very little about him. The little it does reveal, however, gives us a good idea of why this man was chosen to be Jesus' earthly father.
WHO WAS THIS MAN?
Joseph was a carpenter or more probably a general contractor, for there would not have been much wood in Palestine then as today. He lived in Nazareth and could trace his lineage to the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:16), specifically to the house of David (Matthew 1:20). This is significant, for many Jews lost the trail of their ancestry, so to speak, after the Babylonian captivity. It is also important to note that Joseph was a righteous man, which was a rarity in those days, so much so that Matthew felt compelled to report that aspect of who Joseph was.
Yet how did Joseph's righteousness manifest itself? Through large offerings from his business? Through meticulous obedience to the Law through sacrifice? Through a study of God's Law as a rabbi or scholar? He showed his righteousness by what he considered doing when he found out Mary was 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" (Matthew 1:19). Oh that more men and women would act like Joseph when they perceive a wrong or receive a hurt—but that is not what I want to focus on that made Joseph one of the best Proverbs 31 men in the Bible. What I want to look at is the fact that Joseph was always on the move.
IN MOTION
As I studied the few verses that mention Joseph, it seems that he was always in motion, going somewhere to do God's bidding:
- When he had his first dream informing him that Mary was pregnant by the Spirit, he immediately awoke and went to take her as his wife (Matthew 1:24).
- When Caesar ordered a census, Joseph left Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem (Luke 2:4).
- When Jesus was eight days old, Joseph traveled from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to present Him in the Temple (Luke 2:22). Joseph named the baby Jesus, which is what the angel instructed Mary to name Him. Please note that Joseph had to submit to God's work in his wife's life.
- After the Magi came and agitated Herod, Joseph had a second dream warning him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
- When Herod died, Joseph had a third dream informing him that it was safe to go home. Fearing Herod's son, Joseph decided to go back to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23).
- We are told that Joseph and his family went up to Jerusalem every year for the feasts. One year, Jesus stayed behind without His parent's knowledge. Therefore, Joseph had to go to Jerusalem, start for home, return to Jerusalem, and once Jesus was found, return to Nazareth (Luke 2:41-52).
We often focus on the fact that God chose Mary for a specific reason to be Jesus' mother. Her faith and heart to obey are obvious, but her husband was her match. We do not read that Joseph required a confirmation concerning what he was told to do. In fact, at times he needed no direction from the Lord (the example of that is his decision not to return to Judah from Egypt but rather to return to Nazareth). In going to Jerusalem on two occasions as directed by the Law, he had unexpected encounters with the Lord through which he learned more about Jesus and His mission.
It is a good thing to wait on the Lord for His word and direction. Joseph demonstrated that once you have heard from the Lord, however, it is important that you no longer wait, but act. If Joseph didn't act, Herod would have killed Jesus along with the other babies in Bethlehem. If Joseph didn't act, Mary would have been forced to walk her unusual life path alone. If Joseph didn't act, Mary would not have heard what Simon, Anna, and Jesus had to say at the Temple, things she stored in her heart for the rest of her life.
Are you waiting on the Lord? Are you waiting on Him even though you have your marching orders? Do you have faith that God wants to direct you or do you think He will trick or entrap you into a wrong conclusion where His will is concerned? Joseph had faith that God was with him and acted appropriately. Joseph was a businessman who had a heart for God and God used him. God will use you in the same way, regardless of your occupation or gender. He can only do that, however, when you decide once and for all that you are going to be on the move doing whatever it is He reveals to you to do. Have a blessed week!
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ONLINE PURPOSE CLASSES. I will begin online purpose classes on July 25 that run for four weeks. Read this post to learn how you can register. There is a class free, but you can apply for a scholarship or make payments. Space is limited so act today.
PURPOSEQUEST INTERNATIONAL MOBILE APP: If you haven't already, take a moment to download my free mobile app that has many helpful videos that discuss how to find your purpose, creativity, and how to write a book along with many of my preached sermons.
PURPOSE STUDY BIBLE: I am well into Genesis as part of my latest Bible study project called the Purpose Study Bible. Each week, I examine the concepts of purpose and creativity as they appear in the Old Testament. I started in Genesis but will move through the other OT books as the Lord allows. You can read the studies here (42 so far) and also subscribe to receive them as they are published on that page as well.
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