Today, few words desperately need a clear definition than the word hope. Hope is reduced to wishful thinking, a positive attitude, or an optimistic outlook. But hope is an expectation and anticipation that relies on God and his promises. Paul writes, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). With God as the foundation, we can have expectant hope in a confusing world.
When Joseph was pledged to be married, he discovered that Mary was pregnant (Matthew 1:18). How did Joseph discover Mary was pregnant? Matthew doesn’t tell us but it is likely that Mary told him. Joseph knew the child was not his. What should he do? While he could have exposed Mary to disgrace, and even to death (Deuteronomy 22:20–21), he chose the merciful option of a quiet divorce (Matthew 1:19). However, as her pregnancy progressed, her condition would have been obvious, and probably his own reputation would be negatively affected because of their relationship.
Then God sent an angel who told Joseph that the child he and Mary would raise together was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be the Savior of the world; He would be Immanuel, God with us.
Joseph chose to fear God and despite the social shame, married Mary. Joseph gave the child the name, Jesus and embraced responsibility being a fathering to him (v. 25). God used Joseph’s actions to save the life of the Savior of the world. Joseph and Mary did not consummate their marriage until after Jesus was born, thus preserving her virginity. Mary conceived her Son as a virgin and gave birth to Him as a virgin (Matthew 1:23). When the child was born, Joseph named Him Jesus. He continued to obey God and went where God commanded to protect the child.
Joseph believed God’s explanation of Mary’s pregnancy. Joseph valued obedience to God, which cost him the right to value his own reputation. God is our expectant hope in a confusing world.