Why Joseph?

Mary the mother of Jesus was betrothed to Joseph the carpenter before Mary found out she was ‘with child’. When Joseph found out, he didn’t want to make her a public example, so he decided to put her away secretly. This gives us an indication into the kind of man Joseph was (in addition to the fact that Matthew 1:19 tells us he was a just man). God however interrupted Joseph’s plans in a dream and explained what was happening to him. “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife”. Matthew 1:24 NKJV. Sequel to this, in Matthew 2, we see Joseph arising a second time to the God’s instruction “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,” Matthew 2:13-14 NKJV. Then a third time in verse 20-21 “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.” Matthew 2:20-21 NKJV

One theme is common to Joseph in the first 2 chapters of Matthew where he is introduced. He was a man who knew God. He recognized God’s voice and had an understanding of God to the point that he always and instantly obeyed God’s instructions.

Joseph’s obedience certainly couldn’t have started in Matthew 1 because God would not have entrusted His son to someone He didn’t trust. These passages therefore suggest some things about the relationship between God and Joseph one of which could include that this was not the first time God interrupted Joseph plans.

The fact that Joseph wanted to put Mary away silently also gives us an insight into his heart. In addition to this, Joseph did all he could to keep Jesus alive amidst all those who sought to kill him, (by being obedient and applying wisdom) indicates that he was one to take care of whatever God committed into his hands.

Having said all these, the question becomes “Can God trust you and I enough to commit the things of the kingdom into our hands?” Can He partner with us to achieve His purpose on earth? Have we passed the smaller tests He’s given us at various times to demonstrate our complete and total surrender to His Lordship? If not, it’s not too late to begin the process. As your faithfulness begins with the little things, God will entrust bigger things into your hands and make you His partner indeed.

Stay connected,

Bolaji Ajayi.