When he became engaged to her, he knew her family. He knew her. He had watched her grow up as a little girl. She was so full of energy and beauty. Her beauty was inside and out. So when she became of age for marriage, he approached her family with honor and tradition. The marriage was arranged as most were in that day. He was the happiest man alive. He had dreamed of this day. It was only a matter of time.
Then life changed.
The news was not what he wanted to hear. To be pregnant before marriage was not acceptable in this day and age. He could not believe that she would do such a thing. Had she lost her mind? Had she been fooling him all this time? Had the age difference between them become more than she could bear? What would he do? What would those who knew them think? He was a man of honor. Their families were well respected in the community.
He would let her go but quietly. There is no need for more disgrace. The situation had created enough disgrace. He was hurt, but sad.
His mind raced so quickly that it tired him. He needed to rest. He went to bed with the hope of feeling better when he arose.
Then life changed.
When he awoke, it was all clear what had happened. The dream was as real as anything he had ever experienced. He was sure he had been visited by a messenger from God. The angel explained all that had happened. The story was unbelievable, but he believed. He believed in God and he now believed her.
The next morning he hurried to find her. He ran and put his arms around her. He assured her of his love for her. He assured her that he would stay. He told her of his dream. Her smile and tears running down her cheeks were matched by his own smile and his own tears--tears of joy.
So he stayed. Joseph stayed when everything in life told him differently because Joseph believed in a dream. Joseph stayed in obedience to God and because of his love for Mary. And Joseph named the child, Jesus.
And life--all of our lives--changed, because Joseph stayed.
No comments:
Post a Comment