Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Joseph - A Lesson in Humility

This ain't no technicolor dreamcoat story - I'm talking about Joseph, the "father" of Jesus. Just about the only thing these two had in common was a propensity for divinely vivid dreams. While Genesis Joe was having dreams of grandeur, Nativity Joe was being told that his fiance was preggers. While GenJoe was becoming 2nd in command of Egypt, NatJoe was running away to hide there. While GenJoe is celebrated as a pillar of faithfulness in scripture, NatJoe quietly fades from the text, thought to be dead by the time of Jesus' ministry...mainly because he's not even mentioned after Jesus' early life. Finally, while GenJoe has wound up with a flashy musical based around his life, NatJoe is known only for being in Nativity scenes, and for being the husband of a the most worshiped woman in the world.

Inferiority complex? Here's what I wrote in my Bible...

Imagine Joseph's situation: engaged to be married and discovers that his fiance is pregnant...wow! What a punch in the gut. And the Jesus goes on to talk about His "true" father. In a patriarchal society this would be truly humiliating. No wonder Joseph was given so many dream. I'm sure I wouldn't feel confident about the situation without them. But as far as we know Joseph was faithful to obey. What an example of a servant's humility!

Lord - it's not about me. It's about Your story. It's about Your kingdom and Your church. And I get to play a part, however small...or big - It could be like either Joseph. But Lord, like both of them, teach me to be faithful to the dreams and visions you have given...

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