Someday Devotional: Day 9

Devotional by Sandi Patty (2000)

Matthew 1:19

“Joseph, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly.” (New Living Translation)

After we surrender to the task God has called us to, and we feel that blessed assurance, we then have to move from our quiet affirmation to a public declaration. Joseph, to whom Mary was engaged, became quite confused over the news that she was pregnant. I love this verse that simply states, “Joseph, her fiancée being a just and honorable man…” Although he could have shamed her publicly (and this was his right, according to the law) he did not want to publicly disgrace her. He was obviously a man of great character. He sought to put others’ needs before his own. In the midst of his confusion and lack of understanding, he could have demanded shame, but he offered her grace.

What a tremendous example of Christ-likeness. In the midst of our own pain and lack of understanding, to still be so aware of God’s presence in our own lives, that instead of demanding shame, we offer grace.

Excerpt from devotional Someday: A Book of Days

Copyright © 2000 by Sandi Patty

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