When I was asked to write this article, I thought it would be a breeze. There is so much to write about this time of year. I mean it's Christmas, who can't write an article about Christmas! Let me be the first to raise my hand. I thought it would be easy, tie in something about the baby in the manger or the angels or the Magi and you've got your article.As I tried to think of who would be the most insightful character to write about, I didn't think of the baby or the angels or even the Magi. Every Christmas families put out a Nativity scene. This year as we got out the pieces for our Nativity scene, one piece struck me in particular…Joseph. I tried to think about what was going through his mind. I tried to put myself in the sandals of the man that just found out he was going to be the father of the Son of God.
Recently, my wife and I found out we were going to have a child. While I am excited, I am also terrified at the responsibility…
"A child? That means I'm going to be a father! A father…me? I'm going to be a father…what do I do? This is new for me, how am I supposed to act? How will I provide for the needs of this child? He will look to me for strength, for security…will I be strong enough? Will I do everything right? How do I hold a baby? Will she grow up to respect me? Will he love his mother? What about the mother, how can I best help her during this time? Will I be the best husband I can be? Will I be a good father to her child? God, I don't know what to do. Lord, am I really ready for this?"
These thoughts have probably passed through the mind of many a father. There is something about the moment you first learn that you are going to be a daddy. First there is the thrill of knowing that you are a father. Then you understand that it is no longer just you and your wife…you must provide for one more. Next the anxiety of wondering whether or not this little one will even like you. Finally sheer terror hits when you realize that you don't know what you are doing, I mean after all this is a huge responsibility.
Now think about Joseph-- not only does he have the responsibility of raising a child, but God entrusted Joseph with the responsibility of "raising up" His own Son. He was to be "daddy" to the Son of God.
Joseph probably had it all figured out…get married, adjust to marriage, buy a house, get a dog, get a promotion, pay off some bills, then when we are ready we can start a family. Joe, you forgot one thing…God.
You see, prior to the wedding, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a child that was not his own. He could have publicly humiliated her, but instead decided to take private legal action, so as not to embarrass his "would-be bride". But before these proceedings took place, he was instructed by God to take Mary as his wife and raise the child as his very own. Joseph obeyed.
Because of Joseph's obedience, we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Joseph did as the Lord said and God blessed him. What about you? Do you find yourself in the midst of doubt and fear? Are you at a point in your life where your obedience is being tested? Trust God and obey Him! God not only entrusted Joseph with a great responsibility, He also gave him the ability to carry it out. He will do the same for you; trust Him to do what He says He will do. He has never and will never fail!
Donavon H. Roberson
Pastor of Youth Ministries
©2000 Bible Center Church
