Joseph, just man
Posted on 19. Dec, 2010 by Katherine Martinez in devotional, kingdom of God, seasons
This 4th Sunday in Advent, I’m thinking on Joseph. The gospels give us only a glimpse of Joseph, and what we know of him is revealed in his actions. No poems, prayers or prophecies like the others in the birth narratives, but that’s ok; because Joseph’s movements are all we need.
Joseph shows us what God means by “righteous” or “just.”
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way:
His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph; but before they came together, she was found to be with child—by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband was a just man, but was unwilling to put her to shame; so he resolved to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:18-19)
So what is God’s justice according to Joseph?
Walter Wangerin Jr. draws these conclusions…
He decided to divorce her quietly. “Evidently one’s rights do not define one’s righteousness.” So righteousness is not self-centered. She has (by all appearances) wronged him, but he knows her sin owes God—not him. A righteous person does not view justice as something he or she receives for damages. A just person does not seek punishment to satisfy; nor does God.
Nevertheless, Joseph resolved to divorce Mary. His righteousness is not self-centered; it’s also not centered on Mary or romance. It honors God and God’s ways, and it is “tempered by mercy.” Keep the law? Yes. But protect life—Mary’s life. No accusation, no trial, no shame, no execution.
So what is righteousness? Two things according to Wangerin. “… the obedience we owe to God and the mercy God grants us to grant others.”
Here’s the good news: This kind of righteousness produces peace on earth—between nations, in families, in marriages, at work, at school, in friendships…
Imagine what our lives would be like if we treated one another as Joseph treated Mary.
Social Networks