Meanwhile Joseph...

The Luke account simply says in Luke 1:56; “And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.” Meanwhile…Joseph her betrothed was back at home. Doing what? Waiting, wondering, worrying and maybe even seething a bit? Again, not exactly sure of the timeframe of things…did he find out about her pregnancy before, after or during her 3 month visit with Elizabeth? All we know for sure is 3 months is a long time… to be in “meanwhile” mode. All the plans have changed.

I suppose it could be any or all of those worrying things he was doing, but we know from Scripture that he was righteous, kind and loving by not wanting to disgrace her. We also know that he was afraid…when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, first words again….”do not be afraid” but it is very specific, don’t be afraid “to take Mary as your wife; for the Child Who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, what Mary has told you is true.

My paraphrase; She is preggers (that is my word for pregnant) but she has not be unfaithful…it’s the reverse, she has been found highly favored and is now carrying the Son of God- Immanuel, God with us. He was told it’s a boy! His name is to be Jesus (in case he didn’t believe Mary) and here is another amazing and stupendous piece of the mystery…not only as the angel had told Mary will Jesus will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. He will be given the throne of David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. He will have a kingdom that will have no end. (Luke 1:32-33) but also, “He will save His people from their sins.”

Joseph is on his own faith journey….one that involved being an earthly father to a heavenly Son, who will, in turn, do all the work required by God Almighty to save him from his sins as well. Joseph awoke from the dream and “meanwhile” was over. He acted and did as the angel of the Lord commanded…he “took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”