God respects Joseph

Matthew 2:13-23

God chooses to lead the family through Joseph, though He spoke to Mary first it was on a personal level to let her know God was with her concerning the birth of the Messiah but from that point on God led Joseph and Mary through Joseph's life, which gave respect and honor to Joseph as the husband and leader of his family. Had God not led them out of danger this way when Herod tried to kill Jesus but did it through Mary instead do you think that would have bond the family together or would Joseph start to feel excluded.

Too many times I've heard a husband say, “I'm just a paycheck to my wife. She doesn't need me otherwise.” If the husband is a good-willed man who loves God then it is natural for him to want to be included in decisions about the family, that's why it is so damaging when the wife makes choices about the kids, finances, schedule, etc. without talking to the husband first. I get that if the wife does not understand the reason for this it could be taken as the husband wanting to control everything, especially if her father was overbearing but by trying to be independent she cuts herself off from her husband's love, which leads to a “crazy cycle” Dr. Emerson Eggerichs talks about in his book Love and Respect. Remember it's the adoration of the wife for the husband that enables him to lay down his life for her and their children, as God intended.

I believe with Mary, as with all those who love Jehovah today, God continued to speak to her and reassure her on a personal level just as strongly as He did when the angel first spoke to her about the baby inside her womb and I also believe that when God led her family through her husband she had no resentment because she honored Joseph and knew that was God's plan.