Joseph: Hero of Faith

I have often wondered why Joseph, Jesus' step father was not included in the "heroes of faith" list that we have in Hebrews. I am not questioning the author's view nor am I questioning the sovereignty of God however the amount of trust that Joseph had in the woman he was betrothed and his faith in God had to be incredible. I have no idea how that conversation went between Joseph and Mary when she told him she was pregnant but I can only imagine.

Mary: Joseph we need to talk.

Joseph: Yeah Mary, what's up?

Mary: Well…

Joseph: What is it? Can this wait? I got some projects I'm trying to finish up here.

Mary: No, no it can't. I need you to just listen and hear me out; this isn't easy so please just listen ok.

Joseph: Ok, now you're making me nervous. What's going on?

Mary: Well, you see….

Joseph: Yes….

Mary: I'm pregnant

Joseph: You're what?

Mary: I'm pregnant... Joe say something.

Joseph: What am I supposed to say? We're supposed to be getting married and you claim you love me! Do you know the shame and embarrassment you've brought to me; not to mention disgracing your family? We can't get married now. I love you but how could you do this to me? I can't believe I was so stupid…So who's the father?

Mary: Well, see that's the thing….it's God.

Obviously we don't' know if it happened that way but we do know whatever the conversation may have been, in the end, Joseph trusted that this young girl was telling him the truth. I think it's absolutely amazing how this man was able to put his own fears and feelings aside and do what was required, no matter how challenging it may have been. It's challenging for me to imagine that he knew beyond all doubt that what he was doing was right. How many of us "know" that God wants us to do something yet Satan still tries to instill doubt? Even though Joseph had the visit from the angel in his dream; how much more do you think Satan attempted to make Joseph doubt the truth because of who Jesus is? It is also quite possible that he never saw Jesus' start His ministry and therefore died without witnessing proof that Mary's story was in fact the truth. What a man of faith!! How do you accept what is impossible as possible? I can't fathom the faith Joseph must have had, not only to believe Mary's story but being willing to live it out. As a carpenter, he obviously taught Jesus the "family business", this certainly suggests that he was active in Jesus' life early on. How could he not look at Jesus and wonder from time to time "am being made a fool of?" "Knowing that I am a 'good guy" has she been taking advantage of me all these years?" We don't know the emotional stress and possible pain Joseph may have dealt with. The fact that "the people" questioned Jesus' credentials as a Teacher also seems to imply that people had some knowledge of His background. Assuming that's true than there most likely was some embarrassment Joseph had to deal with from time to time. The bible is silent on Joseph's issues but that doesn't mean he didn't have any. How many times did he have to endure the "stares"? How many times did he walk in on people murmuring "you know he really believes that God nonsense she told him"? How many times did he hear "you're a better man than me"? I believe he had doubts at some point. After all, he was human. Whatever his issues may or may not have been, he clearly loved Mary and "her son" and as a step parent myself, he is one of my heroes. I personally think it takes more faith to believe your fiancé is pregnant by the hand of God than it does to believe almost anything else. I have been asked to believe several stories, when examined at face value, are very challenging to believe are true. I've had to learn that "when it looks and acts like a duck" sometimes it's just an impersonation of a duck. That is when my faith and trust in God must truly be rock solid and I attempt to remember, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man". (Psalms 118:8, KJV) I feel fairly confident that because Joseph was a "good Jewish man", he was quite familiar with that Psalm! When I am face to face with an issue that causes me to doubt God, I am often reminded that if Joseph can accept God's words as true and walk in that truth; why shouldn't I?