Bible Sudies for Men
December 2005
Men of the Bible
Joseph - Earthly Father of Jesus
(His name means "May He (God) Add"
Joseph was a working man who supported his family through the trade of
carpentry.
His ancestry was traced back to David. Joseph was just, compassionate, and
obedient to God. Though poor, he was a good husband and father, providing
for and protecting his family.
His sorrow was that Harod the Great tried to murder his son, Jesus.
His triumph was to be used by God to protect and provide for the World's
Savior. Through him, Jesus could trace his ancestry to King David and the
tribe of Judah.
His Key Scriptures: Matthew 1-2; Luke 2
In some circles, Joseph is one of the great unsung heroes of the Bible.
During the formative years of the Messiah's childhood, Joseph lived a
consistent and exemplary life of faithfulness and obedience to God. Imagine
how important it was that Jesus grew up with a father whose character was
worthy of emulating. Years before he was recognized as--or confessed to
being--the Son of God, Jesus was known as the son of Joseph.
In the Gospels, Jesus challenges his disciples with the words, "From
everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one
who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48).
Joseph was entrusted with the responsibility of raising the eternal Son of
God. What an incredible charge! But never forget, EVERY child is a
miraculous gift and every parent's responsibility is a sobering one.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for calling great men like Joseph to be servants. Thank
you for entrusting him with your blessed Son as you have entrusted me with
those under my care. Lord, please grant me wisdom and understanding. I
confess my sins and ask that you draw me to yourself by your mercy. Make me
a worthy ambassador of your love.
In Jesus' name I humbly pray..... AMEN.
Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Phil
