Read:
Every other man in this list has been named as “the father of” somebody—but the pattern breaks with Joseph. He’s listed not as “the father of Jesus” but “the husband of Mary” (Matthew 1:16, NLT).
When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he had every reason to walk away. As far as he knew, she was carrying someone else's child. He planned to end things quietly so she wouldn’t be publicly disgraced. But one night, an angel told him the truth in a dream.
“When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife” (Matthew 1:24, NLT). He stayed, knowing it could cost him his reputation and the future he’d planned.
Most of us want to be the person who does the right thing, even when it costs something. Joseph shows us what it looks like to actually be that person.
Try following Joseph’s example today. There’s a “right thing” in front of you—something you’ve been avoiding or putting off because you know the cost. Take a chance and do it today.
Pray: God, give me the courage to do what’s right even when it’s costly. Make me someone you can trust. Amen.