Missionary Update                December 2004 Newsletter

 

Dear Faithful Ones,

 

How long has it been, or have you even heard a sermon about Joseph, husband of Mary, mother of Jesus? Each year Joseph seems to sit at the back of the room, with an occasional wave of the hand from someone sitting in the front. I believe that Joseph has some qualities that make him an excellent choice to be Mary's husband and the caring father to Jesus.

 

In reading the text in Matthew chapter one and two, I find four qualities about Joseph that any man should desire. First he was called in 1:19 "righteous". When God chose this family for His purpose, did He not look for a man of righteousness? Sure He did! Joseph was a man who served His God faithfully.

 

Secondly, he was a "caring man". The scripture says he was not willing to make her "a public example. He cared about what others would think of her, therefore he was not willing to shame her.

 

Third, he was a "thoughtful man". He thought it best to do what he had to do without invoking the Old Testament law that would allow him to have her put to death.

 

Fourth, he was an "obedient man". Each time God spoke to him through a dream, Joseph obeyed. It must thrill the heart of God when His children obey, even when God leads through rough waters.

 

A righteous man, a caring man, a thoughtful man and an obedient man. This was God's choice for His great program through His Son Jesus Christ. Does God chose the same type of man today? Sure He does!

 

We are grateful for the men and their families God has brought our way to serve in the churches. They have all these characteristics, but of course they don't always show.  May the Lord bring many more to us in the coming New Year. May your service to him be as fruitful as He desires and as faithful as you want it to be.

 

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer and your faithfulness in support.

 

Your friend in Christ

 

Jack Merriam, Director, RMBCM