Stress Test Devotional April 28
April 28, 2024
MATTHEW 1:19| 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
This verse tells us much about Joseph. He was “betrothed” or engaged to Mary, and this had the legal force of a marriage, even before the wedding and celebration. Pregnancy during betrothal, presumably via a third party, meant shame for Mary and possibly stoning for adultery.
Joseph, however, was both just and merciful. He is identified as a righteous man, an elder of the gate, who kept the law and helped administer justice in his village. (The word “just” here is not only a moral description but almost a technical term). Yet even though following the law meant vindication as a betrayed fiancé, Joseph decided to divorce Mary “quietly,” meaning without a public trial. He decided to go well beyond what was required in order to protect her from shame. The resulting ambiguity would hurt his own
reputation and standing in the community.
When have you extended mercy rather than insisting on your rights?
What boundaries separate you from others?
