A MESSAGE CONCERNING BLESSED SAINT JOSEPH
You have heard many times the story of how my mother had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, Savior of the World. However, not much has been written about her counterpart Joseph. I will now give you a brief introduction to a man whom I have seen fit to honor as my foster father while on earth: As was stated in an earlier message, my mother was chosen by God among many young maidens to be the vessel by which the Son of God would be born into the world. Likewise, a man with godly character had to be chosen to represent my Father and become the guardian of the maiden Mary and a boy child that would grow up to become the savior of the world. So, at the appointed time, by heavenly intervention, a man named Joseph was chosen to be my guardian while on earth.
At first, Joseph, like so many other chosen people, would
not believe the God of Israel had chosen him to be the spouse of the woman
who would bear the Messiah, the promised one who would come and lead the
people to victory over their enemy. After his disbelief, came fright. He
was afraid that this was a delusion and that he was going crazy. And if
it was true, he became even more frightened with the idea. How would he,
a simple carpenter, be able to handle this grave responsibility? So many
things went through his mind, but after being inspired by the words of
God,
he relented and gave himself to the will of God.
Who was this man Joseph? What special qualifications did he possess to have been chosen to be the one who would guide the Messiah in his younger years? Joseph was described by all who knew him as a gentle man, a godfearing, unrighteous man, who loved his God and prayed to be his instrument. He was regarded as a tireless worker who turned out impeccable work. He was kind, good-natured, and very respected in his community. When he became betrothed to a lovely young maiden named Mary, he thanked God for this honor, for he had always thought Mary to be special. He felt in his heart that God had honored him, but he was not yet attuned to the reason he had been chosen to be Mary's husband.
Joseph was thoroughly shaken when Mary informed him of her condition. He was hurt, but his first thought was for her and what would happen to her if the community discovered she was with child. He knew because he had witnessed, firsthand, how women were treated in this situation and how their husbands were humiliated and laughed at. But his concern was not for himself, but for the lady Mary, whom he had grown to love more and more. As he pondered and worried over the situation, the Lord God intervened and sent an angel to witness to him and make him aware of the truth. The rest of the story is history.
I am very grateful for this remarkable man, and I continue to bless him here in my kingdom for the wonderful years that I was in his care. He took special care of my needs. He took special care of my mother and honored us by being the best husband and father that anyone could ask for. He taught me everything about carpentry, and I grew to respect his expertise, his integrity, and his honesty. He was a just man who never neglected his duties to his work and especially to me and my mother. He gave praise to God in his every waking hour.
I have honored him, and I ask that you honor, NOT WORSHIP but honor, him. For he said YES to God every day of his life by doing the will of the Father in every way. He does not wish to be given special acknowledgment for the role he played in my life. But I say unto you, he deserves this honor. There has not been enough said about this good man. Today, in the modern world, he should be looked upon as a role model for all men, young and old alike. Study his life, see how he followed the mandate of God, see how he gave himself over to doing the bidding of God. Times were not always easy, but he accepted the hardships because he loved his God with all his heart. He was the perfect husband, the perfect father, the perfect worker, the perfect peacemaker, and the perfect guardian.
All men should especially ask for his prayers to help them in
their vocations in life. All men should ask for his guidance
in procuring the perfect job, one that would honor God. And all men, should
honor Joseph as the tool who taught me and guided me in my formative
years on earth.
I give him special honor in my heavenly kingdom, and I love him for his total dedication and devotion to me and my mother and to the honor and respect that he always showed God the Father. So, I say unto all of you, give Joseph respect and honor, for he was truly a venerable man.
Your friend and savior,
JESUS, his heart