The Protector of Our Salvation

The Definition

I searched for "What is a father?" on Yahoo. I found the straightforward definition: "A father is a man who causes a pregnancy resulting in the birth of a child." When I read this, I thought I should expand and add the word "present" to my question. The revised definition became: "A present father is a person that actively engages in his children's lives, providing emotional support, guidance, and involvement in daily activities." This reflection led me to consider the significance of a "present" father, not only in my own life but also in the life of Jesus Christ.

Many of us are familiar with the miraculous birth story of Jesus: He was born to the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit; therefore, an earthly man did not cause Mary's pregnancy. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and with divine order, God recognized the vital importance of providing His Son with a "present" earthly father-Joseph of Nazareth. Let us take a glimpse of who Joseph was.

Actions Beyond Words

You've likely heard the English idiom, "A man of few words." This phrase describes a person who speaks only when necessary but is worth listening to when he does speak. Interestingly, in the Bible, Joseph's story is predominantly recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Still, there are no recorded spoken words attributed to him. The scriptures provide only a few details about his life, but those details resonate. A critical fact connected to Joseph stems from 2 Samuel and Isaiah 11, which foretells that Christ would come from the lineage of King David.

With this, the Book of Matthew begins by outlining the fulfillment of this prophecy by linking the heritage from Abraham to David to Joseph. Then, the scriptures move into highlighting Joseph's actions and exemplary character as a father. He is depicted as a sensitive, obedient, faithful, humble, and righteous carpenter—a trustworthy provider and protector.

Here are some examples:

Mental Fortitude 

When Joseph is introduced in the story, he is presented as the man engaged to marry Mary. However, before they came together as a husband and wife, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph must have experienced significant turmoil upon learning about the pregnancy. In the eyes of society, this would have been a scandal for Mary, leading to stigma, shame, accusations of adultery, and potentially even the threat of death. Under immense societal pressures and legality, Joseph had the right to publicly break off their engagement.

Yet, instead of reacting with anger, self-preservation, misguided pride, or buckling under these pressures, he decided to handle the situation gracefully and compassionately by quietly ending the engagement. His initial reaction demonstrated that Joseph had the mental fortitude and strength of character to navigate the difficult challenges ahead.

Obedience

After Joseph decided to quietly leave Mary, an angel 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. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because He will save His people from sin. (Matthew 1:20–24 ") In that encounter, the angel specifically identified Joseph by his lineage and instructed him to name the child. This is significant because, in those days, the father's naming publicly acknowledged the child as his own and confirmed the child's legal status in the family and tribe, including inheritance rights.

Without hesitation, Joseph obeyed, and because of this, he legally placed Jesus in the line of David, fulfilling Messianic prophecy. Joseph's obedience to God is evident in other instances as well. He quickly responded to angelic instructions to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from King Herod the Great, who sought to kill him. Joseph also followed the angel's guidance when leaving Egypt and returning to Israel when it was safe. His actions are a powerful testament to his unwavering trust in God's guidance. By allowing God to lead him, Joseph effectively led and protected his family. Now, that is what is called being the man of the house...

Righteousness 

According to Luke 2, Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem to fulfill the Roman Empire's census requirements, demonstrating his commitment to civic responsibility. He brought Jesus to the temple for circumcision and offered sacrifices, faithfully adhering to the law of Moses. Moreover, he made it a point to take his family to Jerusalem each year for the Feast of the Passover, underscoring his dedication to religious observance and family tradition. These actions reveal Joseph as a disciplined, structured, and principled man who prioritized his family's spiritual well-being. Under his protection and guidance, Jesus was nurtured and grew confidently into his identity and purpose. Luke 2:40 beautifully captures this development, stating, "And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."

Similarly, Luke 2:52 highlights, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Not only did Joseph raise Jesus in a spiritual household, but he also taught him the value of earning a living through the trade of carpentry. This is evident from Matthew 13:55, where Jesus, as an adult, is questioned, "Is not this the carpenter's son?" and Mark 6:3, which asks, "Is not this the carpenter?"

The Biblical Perspective

Joseph makes his final appearance in the scriptures after the remarkable events of Passover when Jesus was just twelve and found in the temple listening and conversing with the Jewish leaders. While it's believed that Joseph passed away before Jesus embarked on His adult ministry, he played an essential role during those formative years. From a biblical perspective, Joseph embodies the essence of fatherhood, gracefully carrying immense responsibility. He teaches us that true fatherhood isn't solely about biology but presence, sacrifice, and nurturing. His influence was crucial in helping Jesus embrace His earthly identity and divine purpose. Imagine if Joseph hadn't heeded the sacred call to flee to Egypt and protect his family. The implications for our salvation could have been monumental.

Joseph's character as a father shows that a father's presence deters obstruction. He is a powerful reminder of how one man's obedience shaped the course of history and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our redemption. What an incredible legacy!

My Experience

When I think of my father, Taylor Cornwell, and compare his qualities to Joseph's, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for his unwavering presence in my life. Yes, he is an imperfect man, but he has strived to move with discipline, remove obstructions from my path, and be a provider who lives a life that allows the perfect love and essence of Jesus Christ to constantly develop him. He has intentionally passed those attributes on to me, empowering me to freely and confidently grow in my identity in Christ.

#Father'sDay #ConfidentIdentity #ImperfectbyNaturePerfectedbyLove #

Cornwell's Girl