December 17, 2024 - Joseph: Model Stepfather

Joseph: Model Stepfather 

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

By: Kurt Lamb

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Key Verse: Matthew 1:24-25

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

I had very little experience with the idea of a step-father until I became one. I've come to realize how important that role is. We live in a world where people die and the surviving spouse will often remarry. This has happened throughout history probably millions of times. In our more modern times divorce rates have skyrocketed creating a large number of step parent situations. Since we learn so much of our parenting style from the significant elders in our immediate family, having a role model is very important.

Joseph is the prime figure that the Bible gives us for the role. There is very little direct information about him but if we piece all we do know together we have a brilliant role model for all step-parents. He listened to God's messenger and he obeyed.

Joseph treasured Mary and he protected her and her child He took them to Egypt to save their lives when children were being slaughtered. Upon returning to their home in Nazareth it's clear that Jesus was educated and taught his earthly father’s trade. Being a carpenter was a skilled trade and required hard work and some strength. You have to do some math and understand angles and shapes. Tools were primitive by today's standard and were hand made by the individual tradesman. Joseph saw to it that Jesus had religious instruction and visited the temple. In short, we get a picture of how to raise a child. A picture of how to be a parent.

It is no small contribution to the development of Jesus in our world. And it is no wonder that we have churches throughout the world that carry the name of St. Joseph. His name is used in all kinds of charities and benevolent organizations. There are tens of thousands of churches and schools of numerous denominations that are named after him. Millions of children throughout time have been

named Joseph.

We know the name of Joseph and we have a pretty good idea of what he did. He is a timeless example of how to be a Dad.

It is apparent to all that we need the role model of Joseph. When your family unit has children you need to feed them. Clothe them. Give them instruction in what you know. Take them to church and to school. Protect them from danger and most of all love them no matter where they come from.

Father, thank you for Joseph's bold faith. I can't imagine the bind he is in and his courage in following your lead. When I face crises, please help me to trust you, be obedient, and do what you direct, even though those around me cannot understand. Give me faith. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer from JesusWalk.com