A STRANGE RELATIONSHIP!

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

A STRANGE RELATIONSHIP!

Matt 1:24-25

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 firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

           I think a lot! Some might call it meditation, but I ponder! Often my pondering seems odd to others. I also can think on more than one thing at once. I can distract myself if I don’t focus!

           Have you ever wondered about the relationship of the newly married Mary and Joseph? The angel told Joseph “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.” So, at some point, the engagement became a marriage, but the Bible is clear and careful to tell us that the marriage was not consummated until after the birth of Messiah. Consider how unusual that might be.

           Joseph, no doubt, aided in the birth of Jesus. Whether he ran around wringing his hands and boiling water or whether he actually was engaged in the process we are not told. I assume he performed the duties of the midwife. Think of how uncomfortable that might have been for a couple who had not been intimate. I know. I think too much.

           Adam Clarke, in his commentary, says: “The virginity of Mary, previously to the birth of Christ, is an article of the utmost consequence to the Christian system; and therefore, it is an article of faith: her perpetual virginity …  never has been, and never can be proved.”

           We know that Jesus had siblings from Mark 3:32 so, at some point after Jesus’ birth, the unnatural relationship became quite natural indeed. Joseph knew his wife, Mary, and they produced other children normally. We are even told in Luke 2:52 that Jesus’ human development was more or less normal.

           Joseph was a good stepfather and a good husband. He was faithful to all his duties and both provided for and protected his family. He listened closely to God’s voice and obeyed carefully God’s commands. He thoroughly fulfilled his purpose and, we assume, died before Jesus was grown to manhood because he is not mentioned when Jesus began his earthly ministry.

           The scene in the stable is both curious and wondrous as Mary yields to the ministering hands of her husband and Joseph views his bride as a midwife would. The soft glow of lamplight shined upon them as they became the first to look upon the face of Redemption.

Dear Lord, grant us a clearer understanding of your marvelous miracle of Jesus. AMEN