A Closer Walk
A CLOSER WALK
Greg Worthen
The character Joseph in the part of the Christmas Story found in the Gospel of Matthew is a very important person. And we should remember he was not just some character in a Divine play, but was an actual man. He was specifically chosen by the Lord God Almighty from all the men who had ever been born up to the time of his own birth. Chosen for what? He was the man chosen to house, clothe, feed, and raise the Only Begotten Son of God. An important job? Kinda. (Deliberate understatement for emphasis.) Joseph was the man, husband, father chosen to provide the upbringing of the Lamb of God; and to house His mother, his half brothers, and his half sisters. For reference on this see Matthew 13:55-56. The future Savior Of The World. Interestingly, at least to me, is the fact we have not a single word Joseph uttered recorded for us to see. None. Not even one.
Here is Joseph. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus” Matthew 1:18-25 NASB.
So Joseph became the earthly father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He provided a roof over Jesus' head, food for Him to eat, and clothes to wear. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:4 KJV. Additionally, Joseph, along with Mary his wife, provided the nurture and admonition in the Lord that we, you and I, are commanded to provide for our own children. How do we know that? What evidence is there? Referring to Jesus, “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously. And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them,” Luke 2:41-50 NKJV.
So we have evidence that Joseph and Mary were raising Jesus “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” We, you and I, would do well if we do not take for granted the historical events that took place during the days and times of the Christmas story. When Jesus came to His cousin John known as The Baptizer, both now grown men, John proclaimed, “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ “And I did not recognize Him, but in order that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water. And John bore witness saying, “I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. “And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ “And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God,” John 1:29-34 NASB. John the Baptist states flatly, “I have seen and born witness that this is the Son of God.” Further, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Yes, it is He whom we remember and celebrate. He is the “Lamb of God.” He is the “Son of God.”
“All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. O seed of Israel's chosen race now ransomed from the fall,hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all! Let every tongue and every tribe
responsive to his call, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all! Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall! We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.” Words by Edward Perronett, 1721-1792, music tune, “Coronation” by Oliver Holden, 1765-1844.
Hallelujah! Amen!