The Consequences

Have you ever given much thought to the scandalous nature of Christ's Incarnation? I mean, really, put yourself in young Mary's place for a moment. Never mind the unusual physical circumstances for her, what would her parents think? What would Joseph think? What would her friends and neighbors think? This virtuous, faithful young woman cast into the spotlight for the most wonderful reason, but at what must have been tremendous cost. And then, poor Joseph. He's looking to settle down, start a family of his own, serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the typical way. But God had plans of the most glorious and gracious nature. Plans that would bring to Joseph's devout life much more conflict than he could ever imagine.   

Deuteronomy 22:23-24 dictates, according to Mosaic Law, if a man were to "lie with" a virgin who is engaged, both were to be stoned; the woman because she did not cry out, and the man because he violated another man's wife. In Numbers 5:11-31, God speaks to Moses the consequences of a married woman's infidelity under His Law. It's not pretty. If a man suspects his wife of infidelity (valid or invalid), he is to bring his wife before the priest. The priest will mix up a concoction of "bitter water" and tell the woman if she has been faithful to her husband, she can drink the liquid and will be spared from physical harm; but if she has indeed been unfaithful...? Well, physical repercussions possibly resulting in infertility, abortion, or even death. May this water that causes the curse go into your stomach, and make your belly swell and your thigh rot. Obviously, no guilty woman would agree to such terms, but it would take an innocent woman plenty of faith to agree as well. Either law applied, would have been tragic for Mary. 

Instead, when Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, Matthew tells us, he considered "putting her away privately," quietly divorcing her, an option reserved for a wife who "displeased" her husband. Though he had every right to haul his betrothed before the neighborhood, either by public divorce and its ensuing shame, or by bodily harm, Joseph chose to gracefully, compassionately let her go. Joseph got it! He knew what God's Law was all about: loving God and loving others --even before the Fulfillment of the Law let out His first cry. Grace was already applied before our Savior spoke His first word. The New Adam's work had already been on display, our Savior's stepfather caring for and protecting his wife rather than blaming her. In Joseph was demonstrated for us the Savior's merciful love for His Bride, the Church, before her Redeemer ever placed Himself on a cross to die for her. 

The actors in this real-life tableau were vessels of God's grace even before His Son entered the world. Mary, in giving her body, trusting her Lord, no matter the consequences. Joseph in the tenderness he demonstrated toward this young woman and the commitment to raise God's Son as his own, no matter the consequences. We benefit from their faith. Jesus' birth was a gift because His death is a gift, an opportunity for each of us to give our lives in service to the One True King, no matter the consequences. Who will benefit from your faith?