A Reputation Lost

A Reputation Lost?

Something was up! Joseph knew it. Heads would turn and whispers were exchanged when he came near.

“Hey, Joseph, get your head out of the sand, your Mary’s pregnant! “

“That’s can’t be true. You’re lying!”

“See for yourself, Joseph. Her belly’s popping.”

Joseph hung his head. Daggers hit his heart. His so called friends were smirking

at him. He was a broken man.  

“So…what are you going to do…marry her anyway? What about your reputation?”

Joseph was cut to the heart. Anger came next. What’ll I do? If I marry her I’ll be called a fool! I’ll be labelled forever!

He knew the rule. A woman caught in adultery should be stoned—to death.

“Lord, I can’t do that. You’re a God of mercy. Oh, Lord, I feel so alone. Please help me!”

The light was incredibly bright, almost blinding. Joseph shaded his eyes while

glow of angel dust filled his room. “Do not be afraid, Joseph. Mary is pregnant with the Messiah. Marry her and call his name Jesus.”

“Oh, Lord, people will still talk. Who will believe? But

I do! I’m going to marry that girl!”

And Joseph took off running and knocked on the door of the girl he loved.

Looking into her dear face, tears welled up. “Mary, I know!”

Mary cried too. “Dear Joseph, you’ve laid down your reputation for me.

Are you sorry?”

Joseph framed her face with his large carpenter hands. “No regrets, Mary." I saw heaven open. I cannot deny God. He has my reputation.  He’ll cover me.  In time… the world will know!”

A man humbled himself before God—and the whole world knows the rest of the story!

Dear Lord, I'll follow you...no matter what they say!