Continuing from “Tank Your Reputation’. . . Max Lucado from his book ‘Cure for the Common Life’ wrote:
With the phrase “a just man,” Matthew recognizes the status of Joseph. He was a tsadiq (tsa-DEEK) a serious student of the Torah.1 Nazareth viewed Joseph as we might an elder, deacon, or Bible class teacher. Tsadiqs studied God’s law. They recited and lived the Shema2 daily. They supported the synagogue, observed holy days and followed the food restrictions. For a common carpenter to be known as a tsadiq was no small thing. Joseph likely took pride in his standing, but Mary’s announcement jeopardized it. I’m pregnant.
Mary’s parents at this point have signed a contract and sealed it with a dowry. Mary belongs to Joseph. Joseph belongs to Mary. Legally and matrimonially bound.
Now what? What is a tsadiq to do? His fiancee is pregnant, blemished, tainted. . . he is righteous, godly. On one hand he has the law. On the other he has his love. The law says, stone her. Love says, forgive her. Joseph is caught in the middle. But Joseph is a kind man. “Not wanting to disgrace her, [he] planned to put her away secretly” (v.19 NASB).
A quiet divorce. How long would it stay quiet? Likely not long. But for a time, this was the solution.
Then comes the angel. “While he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit'” (v.20).
Mary’s growing belly gives no cause for concern, but reason to rejoice. “She carries the Son of God in her womb,” the angel announces. But who would believe it? Who would buy this tale? Envision Joseph being questioned by the city leaders.
“Joseph,” they say, ” we understand that Mary is with child.”
He nods.
“Is the child yours?”
He shakes his head.
“Do you know how she became pregnant?”
Gulp. A bead of sweat forms beneath Joseph’s beard. He faces a dilemma. Make up a lie and preserve his place in the community, or tell the truth and kiss his tsadiq good-bye. ~Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life (W Publishing Group, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214) 84-85 (continued with ‘Tank Your Reputation III”.)
