Thursday, November 28, 2013

Resolving Marital conflict



One of the stories that I treasure so much is the story of Joseph and Mary. It bring me a lot of comfort each time I read the story.

Mat 1:18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Mat 1:19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Mat 1:20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Mat 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Mat 1:24  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Mat 1:25  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

It teaches God can intervene in any marital crisis
Mary was found pregnant with a child without Joseph her husband meeting with her. The man would have been suspecting a foul play on the part of Mary. Possibly, Joseph would have been saying Mary is a flirt. The Holy Bible gave us the CV of Joseph
Mat 1:19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
The bible record that Joseph was a “just man and and not willing to make her a publick example”

There is a lesson to learn from Joseph
1. He was just: To me, it probably means Joseph was considering himself to be in Mary’s shoe. Possibly Joseph was thinking about the plight of Mary, if he exposes the Mary that she has committed adultery and the shame, Mary would have to bear.
Also the man was just, it implies he was matured, balanced enough  to handle the challenge.
2. He was not willingly to expose his wife: How many of will emulate this great character.  You are not exposing you partner’s fault to a 3rd party. You  are ready to bear the bear his/ her fault.
3. He did not take a rash decision: Joseph was a very patient man. Joseph was pondering over the issue for possibly days. When our partners make certain mistake, let us learn to keep quite and ponder like Joseph.
I like to emphasize that it was while Joseph was pondering over the issue, that an angel sent from God appeared to him through a dream.
If we follow this principle, somehow God will intervene our in whatever martial crisis we find ourselves

The God’s dimension
Mat 1:20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Mat 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

God is interested in marriage since He is the originator of marriage. He watches this institution with keen interest. Though Joseph had made up his mind that he would secretly put away Mary, The God of Heaven had to send his angel to Joseph to dissuade him from his decision. The Lord told him that He knew about the crisis that was rocking his family and the reason for the crisis. Also God told him what He want to achieve with the situation.
I believe also, God is interested in our marriages, and whatever crisis is rocking us, God has reason for allowing it. Also God want to bring something glorious out of it.

Friend, don’t give up on that marriage, God want to intervene!


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