“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).
FATHER-FIGURE
Joseph, of course, was not the father of Jesus, but he was a father-figure. He taught Jesus carpentry and how to work with his hands. Jesus, being obedient, learnt what he could from Joseph to be productive in society and help with provisions for the household.
Our heavenly Father is our true Father, but he does send representative father-figures into our lives. We all have them in one way or another.
Most of us know our biological fathers, though some may not. We wish that all fathers would live up to the expectations placed upon them by our heavenly Father, though we know that not all fathers do, and some people have a bad experience with their natural fathers, or perhaps their stepfathers.
Hopefully, many people have a good experience of their natural father. Although all earthly fathers will fail at some point, for we are all fallen people.
The Lord delegates the position of being an earthly father to represent he who is—our true and faithful Father in heaven.
If we think about it, we have probably all been helped by someone who is a father-figure, maybe a good schoolteacher, or a helpful boss at work, or maybe an elder or pastor at church, someone who is older and wiser who takes us under his or her wing, if only for a short period of time.
We recognise that such people are sent from God, to represent his Fatherly care. I can remember a schoolteacher who pointed something important out about my character. His words have stayed with me all these years. I also lived a few doors away from a nice lady who helped me when I was naughty as a boy, her kindness and encouragement for me to be good, touched my heart. I remember these people, sent by God to help me grow and mature into what he wants me to be.
I also remember a particularly hard time in my life when I felt I needed to talk to someone, so I thought of going to a young person that I knew who was enthusiastic but young in the faith. At that time I was reading “The Imitation of Christ”, by Thomas à Kempis, and in my daily reading I read these words: "Seek counsel from one who is wise and honest and ask instruction from one you esteem… DO NOT open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God. Do not keep company with young people and strangers".
So I changed my mind about whom I should approach. Instead, I immediately thought of a particular elder at church I knew. I went to see him, and he helped me to see straight. I was glad I had listened to what Thomas à Kempis had to say, for he himself was like a father-figure even though he lived in the 1300s.
So we watch out for those whom the Holy Spirit sends into our lives. Though they are few and far-between we appreciate their counsel and good advice, for it was sent from heaven above.