JOSEPH – A MAN OF INTEGRITY

Joseph, husband of Mary is a very interesting personality to study. In Matthew 1:24-25 we observe three specific actions that Joseph takes in regards to the birth of the Holy Child…
“24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

The three actions of Joseph may appear small, and may be even considered insignificant. In fact, they are anything but small and insignificant. Rather they are significant, and speak volumes about Joseph as a man, and his character.

Joseph comes out as a man of implicit obedience and impeccable integrity. Firstly, he did what the angel of the LORD asked him to do… married Mary. Secondly, he “knew her not” till she brought forth her firstborn Son. Thirdly, he named the child JESUS, as instructed by the angel.

Joseph did what was told, and followed it up faithfully. All this, disregarding all the pressures and insults from the family, friends, well-wishers and society. He did what he did because, he believed the word of the LORD, spoken through the angel to be true. He needed no further evidence.

Joseph displayed integrity in the face of insults and falling into disrepute. This is integrity in action. Integrity is doing something because it is the right thing to do, regardless of our personal preferences and the subsequent consequences. May the LORD raise many more the the man Joseph, the husband of Mary.