When I woke up this morning my heart was wearily again on a certain situation in my life. I prayed, “Lord, why have you brought this situation into my life and what do you want me to learn from it?” Joseph was suddenly on my mind. Humble and meek Joseph, the husband of Mary. Here is a man faced by outward appearances with definite betrayal, an unfaithful wife. A woman whom has broken multiple laws of God. Joseph had every right under the law of Moses to publicly expose her shame and condemn her to death. If he had chosen to do so was truly justified by the law. Or was he?
Meek and humble Joseph brings no accusation as he quietly decides to put her aside. There will be no public exposure of Mary’s shame. He chooses to accept the quiet stares and the dishonor because in doing so he chooses life for Mary; he does not wish to see her or the baby killed to vindicate his pride. Quietly he returns home where he lays down for the night… Meek and humble Joseph, protector and preserver of life. The angel comes… and the rest is history. Or is it?
Do we see Christ uphold the law of mercy and love as originally intended by His true Father and also through the example of His earthly father? How often do we condemn others for so much less?How often is there more to the story that we don’t know; as Joseph found out later with Mary? Mercy is a costly gift that bears much fruit.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall see God.