Joseph had a hard decision to make. His betrothed was expecting, and he was not the father. He chose a quiet divorce, because he was a compassionate man. “But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him” (Matt 1:20). When we make a careful decision, even in a righteous way, it may not be the greater thing God is preparing to do at the time. We have to be open to divine surprises from the One with whom “Nothing is impossible.” Yes, be righteous and do the right thing, but be open for God’s surprises.
“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 1:18-20 (NRSV)
