One of the greatest men who ever lived was a tradesman from Galilee. We know very little about him. What we do know catapults him to the apex of the Human Hall of Fame. Heaven selected this man to be the protector, nurturer, role model, teacher and most influential person in the earthly life of Jesus. I am of course thinking of Joseph, the carpenter from Nazareth. He was a widower and already had children when he married the teen God chose to be Jesus’ mother.
We don’t know when he died but he was the one who taught Jesus His carpentry skills. Years later when Jesus raised Lazarus to life, He surely must have thought about using that power to bring His Joseph back. But, knowing what was to come and knowing how crushing it would be to Mary, He spared Joseph seeing the cross.
A study of Jesus’ miracles reveals that He did nothing for Himself. Every miracle was to bring health and joy to others. That is not to say that He did not gain personal pleasure from healing the blind and the lame. He would not have been human had He not thrilled with the joy of restoration. Can you imagine His joy on resurrection morning? He will be as happy as we. But then again, it has the element of sorrow because of those He does not raise to eternal life. It will be a day of mixed feelings. I love what Peter says regarding this. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9. I’m sure Jesus is very anxious to see Joseph.
Spring Of Life