Poor Joseph! In our synopsis of the book "TWO FROM GALILEE" by Marjorie Holmes, Mary's father has just now told Joseph, "Mary, in Jerusalem, is definitely pregnant with Someone's baby!
And this means only one thing--you must deal with her, but, I hope, prayerfully and mercifully."
"Deal with her mercifully....?" The words tormented Joseph as he pounded away at his small house. A man's honor of his family was involved---this Joachim knew! But a man's love--no matter how hopeless-- had an even greater honor. "Of this I know!" he thought. He wanted her back, no matter what! But even more the people would talk. She was his life's purpose, his hope, she was his Messiah! Joseph knew he could not give up his--nearly-realized-- dream of Mary.
Then, agony hit him again. Mary might not want to come back! He hurled his hammer into a corner and covered his face with his hands. "Pray," he thought, but he could not. Had God tricked him? If Mary's child was indeed divine, then how did Joseph dare to bring him up as his own in this rude house--and in Nazareth?!
It had begun to rain. "Still no roof," Joseph thought, automatically picking up his tools. He felt dazed and shaken, but walked to a bench where his mother often sat and took her shawl, drawing it over his shoulders. He was very tired, he realized, and shook from his fatigue and the chill. So weary, he lay listening to the cold rain beating down. An odd sense of calm came to him and he began to go over three courses left to him regarding Mary.
Public denunciation, One. Unthinkable, with possible public infamy and even capital punishment. Two. To assert his rights as her espoused, demanding she be brought back to consummate their marriage and assume, legally, the paternity of her child. But, he dare not do that, as that he had just foresworn that he was not the father. The third, to go quickly to the authorities and divorce her without scandal. Perhaps the elders of the court would not insist that he specify adultery as the grounds. They would accept a plea of desertion. Despair threatened to overwhelm him and he turned over on the narrow bench, pulling the cover over his eyes.
He lay there like a wounded animal, enduring his suffering. It seemed like he was awake all night. His mind chased the idea of sleep. "But I am asleep..No, I'm dead and in a coffin. I am in a cold, dark cave..." He was clawing about for the shawl that had fallen on the floor. A chill breeze blew through the open door. A great moon had risen, the light so bright he shielded his eyes. He half-rose, blinking, his blood raging for it seemed he may not be alone. "Who is it?" he demanded. His own voice startled him. Was he talking in his sleep?
"It's all right, Joseph. Fear not. Be calm." Joseph, still only half-awake, heard again, "I am a messenger from God. I am sent to tell you that you must not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is indeed of the Holy Spirit, as she has said."
Joseph could not speak. He was powerless to rise. The light had become a blinding flame. The voice continued, "She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
"Don't mock me," Joseph whispered, "whoever you are, whether from God or the devil, in God's name, don't torment me further!" But the angel continued, "It is true, Joseph, even as Mary has told you. Remember the prophecy: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel." The prophecy is to be fulfilled, Joseph, son of David. So delay no longer in taking her as your wife. But know her not until she has borne this Holy One."
Joseph remembered nothing more, but he was awake, and it was dawn, gray and misty and now being shaken by Samuel, his brother, saying, "I told our mother I'd probably find you here. She is upset that you didn't come on home." He continued berating Joseph about his lack of care for their father. Samuel continued in anger, "This thing between you and Mary must be settled as our father is dying. Are you too selfish to see it? Take the step that will let him die in peace!"
Joseph was startled. This was no idle threat! He had known it for a long time. "Forgive me. I'll do everything in my power to make amends. I know what I must do, and I promise, there will be no delay. But, I'll need you to work on the roof for me while I'm gone. Will you, Samuel" "Gone! Gone? Where are you going? You aren't going clear to Jerusalem and bring her back?"
"Even so, Joseph said. "If I hurry I may be able to get going before this day is past! I am going to claim her as my bride! And to bring her home to this house!...And if God has mercy our father, Jacob, will live to hold his grandson on his knees!"
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