Ancient Words: Three Josephs for Jesus
There are three “Josephs” in the Bible who directly connect with the life of Jesus, the Christ, and each Joseph does his part to prepare the way for His coming. Joseph #1, the son of Jacob, is found in the book of Genesis and his life’s story covers the last 20 chapters, close to half of the book. Father Jacob blesses this son in Gen 49.24 with words and a name that can only project out to the coming Savior—“Mighty One of Jacob”, “The Shepherd”, and “The Rock of Israel”.
The story of Joseph #2 is found in the first 2 chapters of Matthew and Luke. This Joseph is the son of Jacob, just like Joseph #1, and in similar fashion, Joseph #2 is a “righteousness man”(Matt 1.19). He could have used a legal approach when he learned his espoused wife to be was with child but he did not. Instead, he chose not to disgrace Mary, showing a compassionate heart for what had to be an unexplainable event to his friends and family.
The account of Joseph #3 is found in all four Gospels. From the account of the death of Jesus, we learn that Joseph #3 was from Arimathea. He was a good and upright man, a rich man, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin or Council, a secret disciple of Jesus, waiting for the Kingdom of God, who refused to give consent to the decision and action to crucify Jesus. He stood against the status quo and boldly went before Pilate and pleaded for the body of Jesus.
All three Josephs speak: Forgiveness, Compassion, Courage!
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected].
• • •
BE HIS
As the Christmas season was winding down retail stores began bringing out all of their Valentine’s Day merchandise! The big overpriced teddy bears, the giant sized Valentine’s Day greeting cards that barely fit in your vehicle, the heart shaped boxes filled with stale chocolates and all the other varieties of candy in the see through tube sealed with a big red plastic heart are on all the shelves. The majority of this inventory will remain on those shelves until February 13 when most people realize that they have forgotten to take the time to purchase a Valentine’s Day gift for their loved one. Why? The answer is simple. As a people we procrastinate. We know when Valentine’s Day is, we see it on the shelves and on television every day during this season but we take it for granted because we know that we still have time as long as we do it before the 14th! Then on the 15th it all goes on clearance for those who forgot, were too busy, or too cheap to pay full price. What’s even more sad to me is that we have to actually set aside a date (one day) as a reminder to tell that special someone that we love them! The big thing this year is that those age old chalky Valentine’s heart candies with the corny smeared messages will not be available! Thank God that there is a message of love that is available not just on Feb. 14th but all year round. It’s not corny nor is it smeared! In fact, It is very clear. “For God so LOVED, the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 That my friends, is the greatest love story!
Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officer of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.
