Skip to main content

THE UNSUNG HERO: JOSEPH, FATHER OF JESUS


Leadership is often thought of in terms of grand titles and public achievements. But the most challenging leadership role might just be within the walls of our homes. Fathers, after all, are raising the next generation. Their choices have a ripple effect, impacting not just their families but society as a whole.

Father's Day is here (June 16th, 2024). Let's consider a father from the scriptures who faced a unique challenge: Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ.

Imagine being engaged to marry someone you love, only to discover they're pregnant before your wedding. This was Joseph's reality. An honorable man, he initially planned to leave Mary quietly to avoid scandal. However, through divine guidance, he was called to stay and raise the child Mary was carrying.

Joseph's situation was far from ordinary in those days. He would be raising a child not his own. This could lead to misunderstandings – his corrections might be seen as confrontations, and his role as a father figure might be questioned. Yet, the scriptures tell us Joseph rose to the occasion.

While the Bible doesn't tell us much about Joseph's later life, we do know Jesus obeyed his parents. This implies Joseph played a crucial role in Jesus' upbringing.

Raising any child is demanding, but Joseph's responsibility was unlike any other in those days. He had to provide a sense of normalcy and guidance for a son destined for an extraordinary purpose. Even the Son of God needed a father to teach him life lessons and prepare him for his future.

Joseph's story reminds us that fatherhood is a vital role, regardless of circumstance. It's about love, support, and providing a foundation for the next generation to grow. Though he may not be the most celebrated figure, Joseph stands as an example of selfless dedication and unwavering fatherly love.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SHORT STORY - THE LIVING SOAM

THE LIVING SOAM By: Emmanuel Coleman This morning, when I bought my copy of the Daily Graphic, his picture was boldly displayed on the front page. I haven’t seen his face for the past twenty years. When I read the headlines it said: CONTRACTOR CONVICTED FOR CAUSING FINANCIAL LOSS TO THE STATE. The story said he had defrauded the state of over fifty-five million dollars for contracts he wasn’t awarded and never performed. The judge sent him away for a whopping seventy-three years in prison with hard labour. That was as good as a life sentence. When we were in the second term of our first year in Bishop Lawrence’s Boys Secondary School, Kwesi Enu joined us from another school. He became both my class mate and dormitory mate. He was a lively little chap who most of the time wore a self-satisfied grin on his face. In no time he became one of the most troublesome juniors in the school. In fact not a single day would pass without my friend getting into one form of trouble or the o...

A BED OF ROSES

          AI-generated image      Marriage is often compared to a beautiful rose garden. Roses are undeniably stunning, but they also have thorns. Just like the roses, marriage is a beautiful thing, but it's not without its challenges. People are complex and ever-changing, so a perfect marriage is unrealistic. Before we get married, we tend to have romanticized expectations. We envision a life filled with endless happiness and unwavering love. While optimism is great, it's important to be realistic and address any red flags during courtship. Remember, "love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener." Sadly, many marriages today face harsh realities. After the wedding bells fade, couples come face-to-face with who they truly married. Personalities unfold, and what once seemed perfect can become a source of irritation. There's no one-size-fits-all guide to marriage. Therapists can't predict every issue, social media is a highlight reel, and...

TWISTED: CHAPTER 5

A MESS OF THINGS If you missed Chapter 4, catch up  here .      Three weeks after that night, Bech, Jade, and Lily met for their usual get-together. They met at an open-air bar in the afternoon. It had rained the day before, the atmosphere very refreshing. It was a good day to be outdoor, and the three friends always looked forward to their meet-ups. This is how their friendship had survived all these years. Even though they had been in the same university, they had had to make time consciously to get together to draw support from one another and study with one another.           Whenever they met, Lily always updated them with the latest gossip on campus, Jade brought the latest political trends and business news, and Bech shared info on latest entertainment programs. They were a funny trio, and it was a wonder to many who knew them as individuals how they managed to remain so close to one another despite their stark d...