A Devotional Thought From Matthew 1:18–25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:18–25
Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirreth up strifes: But love covereth all sins”.
Now, what does this verse in Proverbs have to do with the gospel of Matthew?
I can’t help but be impressed with Joseph. He was engaged and his fiancé gets pregnant but it obviously isn’t his baby. We know that this baby was the Son of God supernaturally conceived and that Mary had not cheated on Joseph, but he didn’t know, not yet. He was without any doubt embarrassed and upset that she had betrayed his love and had been unfaithful and yet the Bible says he didn’t want to make a public example of her. He wanted to back out quietly. Consider that he was the subject of all the town gossip and laughter. Joseph looked like a fool and yet he had no thoughts of revenge or self-defense. Making a public example out of her would have at least taken the spotlight off of him. After all, he had done nothing wrong and she had hurt him. Joseph did not think of himself however, his concern was the women he loved in spite of her perceived unfaithfulness. He wanted to cover her sins because he loved her and love covers sins.
I like Joseph. I want to be like Joseph!
If I am transparent, I have not been that man. I have been wronged and let everyone know. I have been forsaken and spread the word in an attempt to clear my name or ease my pain. Joseph was a man of love that covered sin instead of spreading it around even if his reputation was damaged in the process.
Isn’t it interesting that when the angel let Joseph know the truth of the virgin birth that he also says that the baby inside Mary will be called Jesus because he will save his people from their sins? That baby will be the ultimate man of love and coverer of sins. Jesus will eventually wash all the sins of those who trust him away and it will come at the cost of more than just his reputation. My wonderful Savior will do it with his own life and blood because he loves us and love covers sins.