“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
(Psalm 5:11 NIV)
Joseph, son of Jacob, the Deceiver, who was himself deceived…
Joseph, who lost years of his life to enslavement and prison, must have wondered “why?”
The hindsight of millennia tells us God placed him there to save his family from starvation.
Did he ever wonder what he lost in those dark, dry, empty years?
Joseph – protector of God’s chosen people.
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, shamed by her baby – not his…
Joseph, visited by an angel in three dreams.
Fear not- – Take her for your wife
Fear not – Take her and the child to Egypt
Fear not – Return to Nazareth
How can you not fear shame, banishment, even death?
Joseph – protector of God’s chosen One
Joseph of Arimethea, a rich man who had become a disciple of Jesus…
Joseph, a prominent member of the Council who was awaiting the Messiah.
Boldly asking Pilate for Jesus’ body, then tenderly dressing it for burial.
Was this act of love and service this rich man’s passage through the eye of the needle?
Joseph – protector of Messiah’s body
God, help us to be Josephs in our communities, protecting your people, and ministering to you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.