Some years ago it hit me how we are rapidly losing our role models - male role models in particular. One day, while doing my devotions, I pictured a little boy, dressed in a tunic, with dark hair and eyes. He was sitting on the ground and I watched as a hand lowered something to him. I immediately knew he was Jesus and the arm belonged to his daddy.
The arm is so symbolic of the little we know about Joseph of Nazareth. He is mentioned in scripture, barely, but significantly. But, what jumps off the pages of where he is mentioned, if you think about it, is his instant obedience to what God alerts him to do. While both Mary and Zechariah are visited by angels with the good news given them, Joseph wakes from sleep (more than once), and with no hesitation, offers himself to be available to be used (by God). The other scriptures that speak of him are the genealogies that tell us he was of the line of David and show the blood line that leads back to the Garden, where the Messiah was promised the first time, to Eve.
I have spent years trying to discern what made him God's choice. When Christ was conceived it was 440 years after the prophet Malachi warned the Jews for the last time what they must do to remain in Covenant with Him. In scripture 40 years represent a generation, so that computes to eleven generations that have come and gone, and 440 years of silence from God though His prophets. Yet, Joseph is in position to be used to rescue Mary, protect her, be the adopted father of Jesus, and teach him what he would need to know about what God would do though and because of him.
After years of prayer, searching the Old Testament for the role of the father as prescribed by God to the Jew, and realizing that many of the things that Christ did, like going into the hills to pray, may have been exampled, rather than spontaneous, I wrote my book, Joseph, the heart of the Father. More than once I was overcome with the profound message of obedience, sacrifice, and a life poured out.
There is more to tell, but I don't want to give away the story. I deliberately wrote it as a story, so it could be gifted to people who are nominal Christians or may not be believers at all. It is intended to remind us that God, by His own design, placed the Messiah within a traditional family, gave him role models and siblings, and it was within that cocoon that he was guided toward the awfulness of what he would suffer - for us.
The book is a wonderful beginning for the Christmas season, can be read to children, or discussed by adults in a Sunday School or small group. It is equally appropriate for Easter. It can be obtained on Amazon or other book venues, or at Tate Publishing, who offers a discount for groups.
The last time see Joseph in Scripture he and Mary have found Jesus, who was lost, at the Temple, and speaking with the leaders there. I do not believe Joseph lived much after that because Jesus would have, by necessity, needed to look to the one Father he would speak of, yet would know better, because of the simple soul who raised him.
Please, after you have read it, would you review the book on Amazon, B&N, etc. and on Goodreads if you are a member. And, be sure to comment on the blog!
I wish you a profound journey in faith this season.
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