God gave another option to Joseph. In the day, engagement was as binding as marriage today. The engagement lasted about a year, and the couple would live separately with their parents as no sexual relations were allowed. The engagement could only be broken by death or divorce.
When Mary returned from the visit with Elizabeth, it would have been evident that she was pregnant. Joseph knew the baby was not his and would have assumed that Mary had been unfaithful. Joseph was a devout Jew and had the right to divorce her in this situation. Pregnancy out of wedlock carried a severe social stigma.
Considering the Options
A public divorce would disgrace Mary and bring public humiliation. Joseph’s compassion for Mary wouldn’t allow this. He seemed to be leaning toward a private divorce between two witnesses. This way, he could keep his reputation and still be kind.
This was on his mind as he went to sleep. God sent an angel in a dream to explain Mary’s pregnancy. Luke 1: 20 “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”[1]
God gave Joseph a third option: marry Mary. This option would cause people to assume that the baby was Joseph’s, but it would also protect Mary and the baby Jesus. Joseph was righteous and initially thought he was doing the right thing by divorcing Mary. God’s message through the angel in the dream gave him insight into the pregnancy. Even though it would be disgraceful in society’s eyes, marrying the pregnant Mary was right in God’s eyes. Joseph was obedient to God.
Godly Wisdom
Sometimes, we think we are out of options, but God can show us we have more options than we think. We can ask for God’s wisdom. James 1: 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[2]
Solomon was known for being wise and gives us advice. Proverbs 2: 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. [3]
God can give us wisdom to make good decisions. He may not send an angel in a dream, but He can use Scripture, circumstances, friends, and divine intel to help guide our way. We can trust His love and care for us.
To learn how God gave another option to Joseph, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-dream-reveals-the-truth
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
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