Have you ever thought about Joseph's important role in the life of Jesus? Joseph was chosen by God to be our Lord's earthly father. As Pastor James Lyons, of Camp Creek Baptist Church, pointed out in one of his sermons, "Joseph was Jesus' step-father."
A "step-parent" is seldom given a lot of credit for being a caring, loving, and responsible parent. But, Joseph was given this responsibility to the Son of God! What an amazing position of honor!
Have you ever thought about the training Joseph gave Jesus? Joseph was a carpenter by trade. I would imagine he spent countless hours teaching Jesus the tools of the trade and in return Jesus taught him about his heavenly Father. I would imagine the conversations were intense as Joseph learned about God from his step-son.
Jesus obeyed his heavenly Father and honored his earthly father. There are many undocumented years when Jesus was growing up with Joseph and Mary. Jesus would have been wise beyond his years and his earthly parents were probably amazed at what they learned from his teachings.
I can see Joseph take the little boy hands of Jesus when they went into the city or traveled together. The precious hands of the Savior. He didn't know that one day those hands would have nails driven through them, or the little feet that carried the little boy Jesus as he walked with his step-dad would have nails driven through them. Joseph didn't know what the future held for his step-son. Joseph knew Jesus was special and the son of God, but how would he have handled the information that Jesus would die a painful death for the sins of the world? That he would die for Joseph's sins and Mary's sins. The knowing would have been too overwhelming.
God knew exactly who would be the perfect step-dad for Jesus. What an honor for Joseph.
It is me again, Lord, thanking you for the precious blood You shed for my sins.
A little Georgia Wisdom reminding you to honor the men who have the important role of "step-dad" to a child. It is a position not to be taken lightly.
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