Since the beginning of time, men have had an important role in society, such as God intended. God created man to be a strong and influential leader not just in the workplace, but also in the home and in the church. He created men to fill roles that, although women could do as well, were specially designed to fit the personality and physical traits that God created only in men. One such role is fatherhood, a beautiful and influential part of the family unit. God did not take the role of fatherhood lightly and we see this in His own choice of the man who would father His only Son, Jesus, here on earth.

We actually know very little of this man except that his name was Joseph, he was a carpenter, and he was engaged to Mary. We know he was a descendent of King David and, from previous reading, we know that it had been prophesied that Jesus would descend from that line. Joseph was a righteous and gracious man (Mat. 1:18-21) who obeyed the Lord (Mat. 1:24-25); he was humble, hard-working, and self-controlled â€" all Christ-like traits. God can and has greatly used quiet, steady, faithful people like Joseph to help bring about His will.

Joseph was the first recorded foster parent, taking legal responsibility to provide and care for Jesus. Obviously, if Jesus Himself had a foster/adoptive father, it’s something that is good and precious in the sight of God. Jesus would be known as the son of a carpenter, but what is important to notice here is that God personally hand-picked this man to be the earthly father of the Savior of the world! He chose a man that was faithful and loyal, not just any man would do. God had a perfect plan in play and Joseph’s obedience was a key factor. Had Joseph chosen to leave Mary or had acted selfishly in any way, God’s plan would have been thwarted. I’m sure that there were many times as Jesus' ministry began to show through that Joseph wondered, “Why me?�. Like many parents he surely felt inadequate and unprepared. What a gracious example God gave to us in Joseph; to take a regular guy and entrust him with His most precious treasure.

We may think that we lack parenting skills and may be unqualified for the task of raising children in this world; but know that, like Joseph, God hand-picked you to be fathers and mothers to His most precious treasures. Let’s follow Joseph’s example in being known as righteous and gracious parents, raising our sons and daughters for the Lord!

Suggested Prayer: Heavenly Father, what an awesome task you assigned to me when you made me a parent. Thank you for trusting me with these children. Help me to raise them in a way that is honorable and will bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    1 Corinthians 10:6 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.