True Obedience

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'" --Matthew 1:19,20

There are few people in the bible who are more admirable than Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. He is spoken relatively little of. (Matthew 1:16-2:23; Luke 1:26-2:52) I don't think enough emphasis is placed on Joseph when discussing the Gospels. There are few better examples of a more obedient servant of God. Just imagine yourself in his shoes: Your brand new bride reveals that she is pregnant by someone else. Not only is it revealed to you, but made public to your friends, family, and pretty much everyone you know. Wouldn't you feel embarrassed, shamed, and angry? In today's world, it would be a matter of hours until the divorce was finalized, everyone sympathized with you, and you moved on with your life; all the while disgracing your wife and making a public spectacle of her. We are so far removed from the chivalry and integrity presented by Joseph. Even when he at first considers leaving her, he plans to do it in a secretive way that preserves Mary's honor. He still loves her and does not wish to inflate his pride by putting her down. How admirable! Though we cannot know what was in Joseph's heart, or exactly what kind of man he was, he must have been great for God to choose him as Jesus' earthly father. Imagine the weight of that, being so obedient to God that you put aside your image and go wherever he guides you. If only we could live like that today, instead of worrying about what other people think of us. Especially our generation! We have grown up online, displayed for all to see. Our concern for our own public image is disdainful. It's petty and ridiculous. We worry about what a simple human thinks of us instead of fearing the One who has the power to send us to Hell or usher us into the Pearly Gates. Maybe we should start considering the awesome power of our God instead of the opinion of some person who, like us, has no right to judge.