Joseph the man

Joseph is mentioned at crucial moments in the life of Jesus.  He was the reason they had to go to Bethlehem, (and that fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2).  He is described by Matthew as a "righteous man" (Matt 1:19).  God met Joseph in a dream to help him process the miraculous pregnancy of Mary.(Matt 1:20),  I love what happens next and the way that Matthew describes it:

Matt. 1:24        When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her.

Joseph understood from the Lord the necessity of a trip to Egypt under the threat of Herod. (Matt 2:13).  He and Mary took Jesus to the temple to fulfill the law and received guidance through prophecy. (Luke 2:27).  We may never know who was responsible for losing Jesus for 72 hours, but Joseph was with Mary when they found him discussing the word of God with the teachers of the law. (Luke 2:41-50).  Later in life, he is identified by reputation in John 6:42. I'm impressed as I reflect on Joseph that God works with us through our trials, , challenges, and all the phases of life. Praise God!