THE FORGOTTEN MAN -- By: Gretchen Gaebelein Hull

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 12:4 (Fall 1998)
Article: THE FORGOTTEN MAN
Author: Gretchen Gaebelein Hull


THE FORGOTTEN MAN

Gretchen Gaebelein Hull

A member of the first CBE Board and Editor of Priscilla Papers, Gretchen Gaebelein Hull is author of Equal to Serve (Baker, 1998) which is available from the CBE Book Service. The material in this article was originally published in Chapter 7 of Equal to Serve, and is reprinted by permission.

There is another important role model in the familiar biblical Christmas story: Joseph. Because we know so few hard facts about this man, it has commonly been assumed that he died before Jesus reached adulthood, but such an assumption is gratuitous. We do not know how old Joseph was or how long he lived after that trip to Jerusalem, when Jesus was twelve. But while we do not know much about him, we do know this: Joseph was not afraid or ashamed to take second place.

Undeniably, in this couple, the woman was the more prominent figure. Very possibly this is one reason many have relegated Joseph to obscurity. Those taught to think of male-female relationships in terms of rigidly dominant/ subordinate roles will not only find it hard to think of Mary as a role model, but they will also feel most uncomfortable facing the tremendous challenge in the life of Joseph.

Those preoccupied with sex roles and the bogeyman of “role reversal” need to see that we are to concentrate on the inner characteristics of a person, not his or her gender. Second Corinthians 5:16, 17 gives us the message that we must no longer think of ourselves in terms of our human nature, our physical “houses.” People preoccupied with role playing also need to remember that God calls us as He wills, and His creative use of His servants transcends any human barriers.

As we look at Joseph’s inner characteristics, his less prominent role need not make us uncomfortable. Just as God chose Mary for her special work, so God called Joseph to his unique place.

Matthew 1:18-25 records Joseph’s commissioning process, and the text says, “... He did what the angel... commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Think of the strength of character Joseph displayed in this obedient act. Most likely his reputation became tarnished, and he also must have endured the hurt of gossip, which can sting more severely than the lash. But he put aside his personal confusion and his personal desire for a normal marriage relationship. He helped Mary give birth in that stable far from home, a difficult and intimate time for a man who had not had conjugal relations with her. Then, along with Mary, he must have felt astounded at the visit of the shepherds and the wise men and amazed at the words of Simeon and Anna. ...

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