Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:19
In Matthew 1:19, we find that Joseph was a righteous man. As followers of Christ, we know that our righteousness is only found through our relationship with Christ since we surren- dered to Him as our Lord and Savior. So, there’s no doubt that Joseph followed God and desired to honor God through his life. If Joseph were just a religious man (someone trying their best through their effort to earn God’s favor), there would be no way God would have declared him a righteous man. What we have as Christians that Joseph did not have is the Holy Spirit living in us. Because God’s Spirit lives in us, we can walk in God’s righ- teousness each day. That is why God tells us in 1 Peter 1:14–16 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” God declares that we are holy (righteous) because He is holy. Our lives must re- flect His holiness in what we say, do, and think. Joseph desired to honor God in his decisions. He first believed Mary had been unfaithful to him when he found out Mary was pregnant, but he was choosing to send her away secretly. He did not want to dis- grace her or her family. That is a righteous act, indeed. Joseph chose to put his feelings aside and to think of Mary and her fam- ily first (Philippians 2:3–4).
Challenge & Application
• What did you learn today about living a righteous life and honoring God in your decisions?
• How can you show others the righteousness God has given you? (See Philippians 2:3–4 for help.)
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!