In the
Christmas Story, Joseph shows men how to be
a godly husband.
 |
Joseph
protects his family.
|
Being a
husband is not easy; it takes a man's responsibility. Life proves it
takes grit. Joseph served Mary as patriarch, partner, provider,
protector, and priest.
As a
Patriarch, the husband is both leader and father to this
family. He makes the decisions as co-manager with his wife. Did you
also know? He is an instructor, disciplinarian, and play coach to his
children. University research shows fathers, more than mothers,
primarily influence the spiritual practice and also the play activity
of their children. So, likewise, what happens when the husband is
missing from the family? It's not just a matter of child discipline
failing.
Husbands
and wives are intended
by God
to be Partners.
She is
not a subservient maid, but a care giver. The Hebrew language of the
Bible constantly supports this concept of equality with different
roles. The husband is intended to be a servant head, manager-guide,
emotional support, and sounding board for her.
The wife
in response is the strong advisor and co-manager of the home. My Dad
told me, women are the natural nest builders of the home, let them be
such. She is spouse, sister, best friend, prayer partner, caregiver,
and playmate to her husband. Women need men as fathers and brothers
even in society outside of the home. In many ways, no man can keep up
with a woman; she is the multi-tasker.
Men must
take their position
as Provider.
The
Bible basically says a man that does not provide for his family is an
unbeliever. A man that does not work, should not eat. I've always
said to those without a job: finding a job is a full-time job. Even
this hunting for provision becomes his work. Of course, the wife can
help her husband, but the first responsibility belongs to him. Joseph
worked as a carpenter who taught his craft to his son.
Protector.
A man protects his family from violence, from danger, from
threatening situations. His very body is built for work and battle.
Joseph protected his fiancée from life threatening religious
tradition. He protected and cared for her on the long eighty-mile
foot journey to Bethlehem, a trip imposed by governmental regulation.
He protected her from Herod's horrific slaughter of the Bethlehem
babies. He protected her on the exodus and exile into Egypt.
Prophet
& Priest. Is this where
men are failing?
The
most bonding glue in marriage is the husband washing his wife with
the Word (Eph 5:25-28). This means daily prayer and scripture
together. The husband constantly cares for his wife as Jesus cares
for his church, his body. The husband and wife lay hands on and pray
blessing and healing for each other and their children.
“The
Lord bless you in the wonder and power of his love and give you a
peaceful sleep in the Name of Jesus."
In the evening, I
blessed my children with these words. My children did not suffer from
bad dreams. The family must see the husband as God's leader and
defender.
– Christmas
Blessings to You!
Bill
Hunt
“The
Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord
make his face shine upon you,
And be
gracious to you;
The Lord
lift his countenance upon you,
And give
you peace” (Num 6:24-26).
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