Good Enough for GodSample

JOSEPH

Joseph had one of the biggest claims to fame in the Christmas story: He was a member of King David’s family. This didn’t give Joseph any power or privileges, though. He still had to make a living like everyone else, working as a carpenter in Nazareth.

Joseph seems to have more of a supporting role here. After all, it was Mary who actually carried and gave birth to Jesus. The Savior of the world wasn’t even Joseph’s biological son. But God chose him just as much as He chose Mary.

Joseph’s status as King David’s descendent, plus his hometown of Bethlehem, actually fulfilled several prophecies about Jesus’ birth. In fact, Joseph was perfect for the job; through his identity, God kept promises He’d made centuries before.

Carpenter Extraordinaire and Surprise Stepfather aren’t exactly titles to be jealous of, but they were the ones Joseph was given. But that’s not all God gave Joseph. He also gave Him personal direct messages. These weren’t the texts and DMs we’re used to — these were messages from angels who appeared in Joseph’s dreams.

Through these dreams, God not only convinced Joseph to stay with Mary and raise Jesus as his own, but He also saved their lives by warning Joseph about danger and reassuring him when they were safe.

Joseph probably saw himself as just a carpenter, just a guy from Nazareth, just a stepdad. But God considered him worthy and capable, strong enough to raise the Messiah and humble enough to consistently obey when life didn’t make sense.

We tend to put that word, just, in front of some things to make them seem lesser. I’m just a teenager. I’m just an average student. Sometimes, these moments come from genuine humility, but there’s a difference between humility and self-deprecation. God didn’t see Joseph as just anything, and the same is true for you.

This week, anytime you get the urge to add “just” to something, take a moment to consider why you’re using the word. Is it to be humble? Or are you putting yourself down without realizing it?