“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was BETROTHED to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 1:18) The process of a Jewish marriage occurs in two distinct stages: kiddushin (commonly translated as betrothal, where a covenant of marriage is exchanged) and nisuin (full-fledged marriage). Kiddushin occurs when the woman accepts the contract offered by the prospective husband. The word “kiddushin” comes from the root Qof-Dalet-Shin, meaning “sanctified.” It reflects the sanctity of the marital relation. The husband goes back to his home to prepare a place for wife. When his place is ready he goes and gets his wife. Just like Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
“Then Joseph, Mary’s husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” (Matt. 1:19) Why was Joseph going to divorce (put away) his betrothed bride? Well, when he went to visit Mary, she explained how she, at 15 or 16 years of age, was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph wasn’t buying it! “…while Joseph thought about it…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her IS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Matt. 1:20)
God is a God of miracles. He can make a way where there is no way. He works in ways that we cannot see or begin to understand. My prayer today is that no matter what the problem or mountain or difficulty YOU ARE FACING you are reminded….there is NOTHING too big or scary or impossible FOR GOD.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham