Matthew 1:18-21

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

In this passage of Matthew, we meet Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Our first glimpse of Joseph is in the midst of a crisis. His life has been turned upside-down. Mary, his potential bride, has become pregnant. He knows the child growing within Mary is not his own. What is he to do? What should his response be? Would he reject his bride publicly or cut off the relationship privately? What a difficult position to be in. But, it is here, in the crucible of faith, that a man’s mettle is tested and refined.

As we know, Joseph said “yes” to God’s plan. Much is mentioned about Mary’s faithfulness in hearing and listening to God, but little is usually mentioned about Joseph and his faithfulness. He is a model for what it means to live for the Kingdom. Joseph was a man, who without any consideration for his own personal gain, without any regard for how it would cost him, gave up his own plans and dreams and followed what God was calling him to.

Joseph stepped out in faith, and obeyed. Oh that we might step out in faith, and put God’s plan before our own!