“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:18-19 KJV).
These passages highlight the Old Testament life of Joseph (the son of Jacob) on the broader themes of God’s unmerited favor, grace, and mercy over strict legalism under the law. He is facing a moral dilemma in a betrothed wife carrying a child in her womb not his. Fellow believers who rest in the Lord’s New Covenant of grace view this account of Matthew about Joseph of Nazareth through the same lens of God’s unmerited favor.
Joseph lives physically under the law. But his heart abides in God’s grace. Instead of rushing to judge or publicly disgrace Mary under the letter of the law, Joseph chose an honorable and noble path of quiet compassion. This reflects the heart of God.
Joseph’s silent struggle and merciful intent set the stage for God to step in with a dream through an angel, to shift his perspective from human anxiety and fear to submit in the divine purpose of the One in Mary’s womb who saves His people from their sins.
Just as grace triumphs over condemnation, Joseph's quiet mercy mirrored the heart of God, who was about to introduce unmerited salvation to humanity through Christ rather than judgment. The child in Mary’s womb is affirmed as it is written: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:14-16 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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