As did my weekend’s reading, I pondered upon what Matthew 1:19 (NIV) said, ‘Because Joseph was faithful to the law,’ I saw how Joseph was a righteous man who handled Mary’s pregnancy in a right way and how Jesus’ birth brought him to the challenge of being a father to the Saviour of the world. His moral behaviour too was exemplary as seen in Matthew 1:25 (NIV). Without reacting with bitterness or harshness, I noted how Joseph made every effort to protect the love of his life. He did not want to expose Mary to public shame (Matthew 1:19, NIV).
Yet, God spoke to Joseph many times, but initially through an angel who appeared in a dream (Matthew 1:20– 21, NIV), and by this, his wedding was alive again. Truly, Joseph heard from God in Matthew 2:13b saying, ‘Escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you’ and in Matthew 2:19–21, the Lord instructed him to return to Israel, and in Matthew 2:22–23, he again heard from God and decided to settle down in Nazareth.
Fathers, let’s always strive to do what is right, even when it may not seem the best way forward; even when life seems unfair and painful. Thus, we set this best example for our children on Father’s Day. We have to learn to handle crises with dignity and a ‘quiet spirit’ like Joseph.
Truly,
Joseph obeyed the Lord and how he faithfully fulfilled the requirements of the
Scriptures with regards to his family and his Son (Luke 2:21-24, 27, 39, 41,
NIV). As a result, Jesus ‘became strong, was filled with wisdom, and the grace
of God was upon Him’ (Luke 2:40). By this, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52, NIV).
Hence, I
pray for fathers to implant the Word of God in the hearts of their children as
I did my weekend’s reading.
Are you upholding the task of a father today?
Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus,
help us to fulfill our role as a father and pray for God’s grace and
wisdom to enable us to implant the Word of God in the hearts of our
children
(Written by Jeremy Koh, 20th June 2021 – Father’s Day)
Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.
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