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!

The Girl Who Said--Yes

The Girl Who Said—Yes!

“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?’

“Oh, I do, I do, I do!” And Joseph lifted the veil and kissed her tenderly!

Mary awakened. It was only a dream…a dream that would never happen. A dream  she said no to—the day she said yes to  God.

There would be no wedding dress, no bridesmaids, no

flowers…only whispers that suddenly hushed when Mary came near. And would Joseph desert her, mock her to his buddies? Maybe he’d find another girl who wasn’t pregnant, one with a sterling reputation. Who could blame him?

But Mary couldn't stop thinking of the angelic visit. It was spine tingling! “You shall have a baby

boy. Name Him Jesus. He is the long awaited Messiah, the Son of the living God. He will save His people from their sins. And all people will call you blessed and honorable!”

“How can this happen?  I’m not married. I’m a virgin.”

“The power of the Holy Spirit will pass over you and you will become pregnant. This is a miracle!”

Mary saw the glow of angel dust, felt the fire of God's holy breath cover her.

She had to follow —no matter

what.
She didn’t say, “Sorry. Find another sucker. I’m not going to do it. I’m just starting my life.  I have  rights!”

 She said yes!

 She had heard the stories of a long expected Messiah.

“Me? God chose me...to be the mother of his only son?”

 But God was with Mary. The angel came and Joseph believed. 
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem—and the shepherds believed.

Wise men brought lavish gifts from afar—and believed.

Even King Herod believed-- and tried to kill baby Jesus.

Before we called her the Blessed Mother, before the baby Jesus was known as the Savior, before the gossip ended Mary said,

"My soul gives glory to the Lord.”

Luke 1:46

Great people say yes to God.

                                Great people give Him glory.

                                                   Great people are remembered—forever! 
Dear Lord, I want to follow you, no matter what. I say, yes!