Words of Life: An Enduring LegacySample

Fear to faith – Joseph.

Poor Joseph! Luke’s Gospel account gives him only passing reference in the story of the birth of Jesus, and he is hardly mentioned during his life either. But of all the people to be afraid, Joseph was perhaps the most likely and the one with most cause. He had been a good Jewish boy and was engaged to a good Jewish girl who had then told him she was having a baby, prior to their marriage. Matthew’s Gospel here offers us a little more understanding. Mary had shared her news with Joseph, but, having considered everything, he decided that he would quietly divorce her. Clearly, he was unconvinced; surely this story could not be true.

One can almost sense his hopes and dreams evaporating before his very eyes. The love of his life carrying a baby that was not his – the embarrassment, shame, and reproach he would suffer... And none of this was his fault. But an angel came to him while he was sleeping and convinced him that he should stand with Mary and the baby. How admirable!

We find ourselves standing on the cusp of the Nativity, where we will remember the events of this wonderful story, but let us face the reality that, for many of the characters, the gospel created fear before faith. This is the case for many people who at this time are considering the claims of Jesus upon their lives, and trying to weigh up whether to take the step of faith and accept him. There is always a chance that you are chosen to be the one who speaks words of comfort or encouragement, which will cause someone to take a step towards Jesus, rather than moving away. How will you prepare for this possibility?