By F. D. Adkins
In honor of Father’s Day, I want to examine a Biblical example of a Father. And yes, I am using Joseph as my example, not because he was Jesus’s earthly father, but because it shows that a man does not have to be the biological dad to fill that all-important role of a Christian father in a child’s life.
Why did God choose Joseph? Let us remember that God is all-knowing, so when God put Joseph in this position, He already knew how Joseph would handle this role as a father.
Here are a few things that I noted in my study of Joseph.
- Joseph follows God, and he never hesitates to obey His instructions. In Joseph’s initial situation, he obviously would have been full of questions. Here he is, engaged to be married, and his fiancé becomes pregnant. But Joseph’s character stands out even before he understands the reality of the situation. At this point, he must be hurt and confused, yet he still does not want to embarrass Mary or tarnish her name. Matthew 1:19 (KJV) notes this about Joseph, “… being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example….” Then, an angel comes to him in his dream. “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.” (Matthew 1:20 KJV) And how does Joseph react to this? He obeys without question. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.” Matthew 1:24 KJV
- Joseph is present. When the shepherds travel to Bethlehem in search of baby Jesus, they do not just find a mother and a baby. They find a mother, a father, and a baby… TOGETHER. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16 KJV).
- Joseph puts his family’s safety above his own. After the wise men visit Jesus bringing Him gifts, Joseph has another dream. This time the angel tells Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee into Egypt because Herod is going to try to get rid of Jesus. Now, I can imagine that Joseph would face some serious consequences if he were to be caught fleeing with little Jesus, but in order to protect this child, he obeys without question and with no procrastination. “When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.” Matthew 2:14 KJV.
Let’s take the time to honor and remember the fathers in our lives and the important role they have in the family. And let’s give praise to our Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins, who is always there with open arms to comfort us, who promises to never leave us, who listens to our cries and provides the needs of our hearts… a Father who wants a personal relationship with each of us. If you do not have that personal relationship with your Creator, I pray that you will run into His open arms today.
“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV
This is so good Farrah, Love the word
Thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.