Joseph moved in a dazed befuddled state of mind. The numbness in his heart was devastating to his train of thoughts as he tried to gather the pieces together.
“No! Not Mary! Mot my Mary...any other person but her! I grew up with her. Nazareth knows! The whole world knows that she is above reproach…an example for other young women…! It just can’t be!”
But he had been confronted with the cold hard facts. The undisputed evidence when he had embraced her on her return from the Judean hill country. Mary was pregnant!
Joseph had been out on a contract job when Mary left for Judea. One more contract to fulfill and he was set to begin his family with Mary! He had returned to learn that Mary had gone to visit his cousin Elizabeth in Judea. Word was out that Elizabeth…aged Elizabeth was to give birth!
How Mary knew before any one in Nazareth was a mystery. The news had finally filtered up to Nazareth that Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah the priest, had seen a vision while ministering in the temple. Zechariah had been dumb since then so could not tell what had happened. Maybe it had to do with the pregnancy of his wife. Strange indeed!
Joseph had impatiently awaited Mary’s return to impart the news that he now had enough to start their own family. His heart had leapt at Mary’s first appearance on her return to Nazareth. He had ran to meet her – had noted her radiant face glowing with health and beauty. Then he had embraced her in welcome and suddenly knew a difference. His ever slim Mary had put on some weight around the middle.
“Ate too much at the birth celebration Mary?” he had teasingly asked.
Joseph remembered the happiness in Mary’s face and the sparkle in her eyes as she whispered in his ears. “I wanted you to know first Joseph…but Elizabeth knew…! I am with child…and this is…!
Joseph’s world had shattered around his ears and he heard no more…His eyes must have revealed the shock, the devastation, the anger and unbelief as it all rolled into one mind numbing reaction.
He remembered the hurt and pain and then sorrow that flitted across Mary’s face at his reaction as she seemed to shrink into herself and pulled away from him saying no more.
A part of him wanted to reach out and embrace her again. The major part of him wanted to lash out and hit someone…anyone…maybe the bastard who was responsible for this. It had to be some scum from Judea. It was certainly not his! Mary had left to all appearances OK but had returned pregnant!
Oh Mary! Why…you of all people?! I would have laid my life on the line in defense of your honor, integrity and purity…now a mere phantom of my imagination!
He had ignored the devastated look on Mary’s countenance as he mumbled an excuse to leave. He remembered the sudden proud lift of her chin as he had turned away…the defiant stubbornness so typical of her. In spite of himself a spark of admiration had ignited at her determined spirit even then.
The initial anger had receded into the background, still smoldering, but giving way to a dull throbbing pain. Most of his anger was now directed at the unknown possibly sweet talking rogue who had gotten Mary in that condition. His imagination ran riot as he pictured the scene when he caught up with the rascal responsible!
“I’ll…I’ll…!
Joseph punched the wall in anger and frustration as though it was someone he wanted to kill. He became conscious of the pain and blood dripping from his bruised knuckles and smiled wryly.
Regardless, something had to be done about this! The law demanded it! Actually the law demanded that Mary be punished for her discretion! Joseph thought fiercely! If it could be proven that she was forced with no one to aid her she would be free.
“I do not want her stoned to death!” Joseph wailed in his mind. “No not that! What can I do? I still love her in spite of this but it’s not right! But what can I do? Soon it will be public knowledge!
Anguish, Anger, Pain and warring thoughts all combined to a numbing heartache, as Joseph determined the best thing to do was to sever ties with her in such a way as to ensure no harm was done to her.
With all these thoughts wrecking havoc on his peace of mind, Joseph struggled to sleep. He tossed and turned. He groaned in pain and frustration and tears flowed from his eyes as he contemplated his plans. Sleep had deserted him and continued to do so until the small hours of the morning when he slipped off into a fitful semi-doze.
As Joseph dozed he became aware of a presence quietly filling the room. He was unable to fully open his eyes but was conscious of an awesome sense of power and authority around him. Finally a manifest presence stood before him speaking with a quiet voice that spoke directly to his heart. Joseph was frozen in fear and bewilderment as he listened.
“Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David! Do not be afraid to take Mary for your wife. She is above any reproach and undefiled by any man. The child in her is there by the power of the Holy Ghost. She will bring forth a Son and you will call His name Yeshua for He will save His people from their sins!”
The light faded! Joseph wide awake jumped up electrified. His thoughts were fast and furious!
“I’ve just been visited by an angel of God!” Joseph was trembling in shock and excitement. “ He said that Mary is innocent! Innocent! Pure! Oh Mary! I have been a fool! I should have listened to you! I should have believed you could not be anything but pure! Oh my goodness! He said that you are the Mother of the Messiah! You’re the blessed one! The chosen vessel! What an honor! How blind I have been!”
Joseph rushed out into the light of the slowly rising dawn. He ran all the way down to Mary’s home. His eyes caught a flash of movement and recognized Mary walking on a path by the fields. In haste Joseph rushed to her. Mary turned at his approach and looked at him with questioning eyes. Joseph saw understanding fill her eyes as she hesitantly smiled.
Joseph slowed down and looked at Mary with wonder and something very near to awe. His heart was a confusion of emotions as tears flowed. He knelt before her, took her hand and kissed it. His tears fell hot on her hands as he whispered “Oh my God! I still can hardly believe it! You're the Blessed of God! You’re the mother of Messiah! Oh Mary! Forgive my stupidity” He looked at her in wonder and love as she smiled happily and knelt with him. As they embraced each other the sun rose in all its brilliance!
He whispered to her, “His name shall be called Yeshua!”
©2009
