Daily Devotion for Lent 2019 - Day 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV)

We see this story through Joseph's eyes rather than Mary's.  Luke gives Mary's account if you would like to compare.

What strikes me about my re-reading of this scripture is how Joseph is named righteous in verse 19.  As we hear the word in the 21st century, righteous can easily blend into self-righteous to our ears.  To be righteous is often thought to follow the letter of the law - even when it is difficult or might bring some harm.

This assumes that the long-term gain of sticking with the law is worth any short-term consequence that people may experience.  After all, they are bringing it on themselves.

But here we see Joseph going against what the law said to do.

Leviticus 20:10 states quite clearly: "If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death." (NRSV)

So Joseph's righteousness is not shown as a man who has been wronged and is setting things right according to the law.  Rather, it is shown as a man who perceives he has been wronged and is offering mercy rather than vengeance.  

We see Joseph in possession of another school of wisdom from his heritage.

Micah 7:18 also states quite clearly: 

"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression  of the remnant of your possession?  He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency."   (NRSV)

Rather than hurl our anger at one another,

what if we threw it into the sea?

Joseph reminds us that to be righteous in God's eyes is to be merciful.  This is the man who will serve as the father of our Lord as he grows up.  It is not difficult to imagine how Jesus develops his own interpretations that lead him to forgiveness.

It seems to me that the Holy Spirit was at work in the story not only through Mary in a more obvious way but also through Joseph's compassion, realization and renewed commitment.  How might the Holy Spirit be leading us to be righteous as Joseph is righteous?

In re-examining the story, we see some irony in that he assumed he was in the "right" in that Mary had wronged him.  He is shown to be mistaken through a dream.

Where might we reconsider our course of action by leaning on Micah rather than Leviticus?

Prayer for the day:

God, the psalmist reminds us that you are merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.  
Where we know anger from those who have wronged us, 
may the love you share with us soften our hearts.  
May you give us understanding and the wisdom to chart a course 
of action that corresponds to your will.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.


Prayer based on Psalm 86:15 (NRSV)
Photo by Tiffani Walker via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.