Known By Your Fruit

“IT IS BETTER TO BE UNKNOWN THAN TO BE KNOWN FOR UNFRUITFUL WORKS.” Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:18-21). Joseph and Mary, at the time being spoken of, are in the one-year betrothal period prior to living together and consummating their marriage. Mary is living at home with her parents, and Joseph, more than likely, is preparing their future home. Upon hearing of Mary’s pregnancy, the natural and lawful course of action would be for Joseph to publicly announce Mary’s unfaithfulness, which would more than likely lead to her death by stoning, according to Mosaic Law. Yet on his own, prior to the angelic visitation, Joseph displays his true character by purposing to keep Mary’s condition silent, an action that displays Joseph’s deep love and affection for Mary. It is possible Joseph was considering a quiet divorce from Mary; however, this was, of course, not to be so as an angel appeared to explain the need for this union to take place. Ever since the writing of this story, there have been countless efforts to extol the virtues and qualities of Mary. She was obviously a very special woman to be chosen by God to bear His child, but what about Joseph? Here is a man who, by all worldly accounts, has been shamed by his bride. Mary, by worldly accounts, has been unfaithful or at the very least surrendered herself to Joseph, both of which are culturally shameful acts on her part. Yet he remains by her side. The fact is Joseph, by his actions, has shown himself to be a Godly, faithful, and compassionate man–one determined by God to be worthy of rearing and providing for His Son. Little is said of Joseph in the Bible, and over the years, many have speculated about the character of this man. However, by his actions, he has shown himself to be a man of God, a man willing to be publicly humiliated for the sake of mankind. I would suggest Joseph is a man many of us would do well to emulate, and I look forward to the day when I can shake his hand or whatever it is we will do in heaven. To be a person of few words, faithful, humble, and unassuming is an admirable goal for each and every one of us. I don’t know about you, but as for me, I could stand to be a little more like this man. MY PRAYER Father, I do ask that You would help me to be short on words, long on thought, and capable of trusting You in all things, and I ask for these attributes in Jesus’ name. Amen.