Today a few friends and I went to Fellowship. It was a really inspiring message.
Notes:
Fellowship ∙ Bryan Loritts ∙ 12/26/2010 ∙ Matthew 1:18-25
Men and women were “betrothed” at young ages. Women between the ages of 12 and 14; men by 18 to 20.
For women, it was at that age that their cycle normally began and it was then they knew that they had entered into womanhood. For men, since it was less obvious, it was when they had a bar mitzvah that they entered into manhood.
When men became men, it meant that, one, you now own your relationship with God. Two, you started working or became an apprentice.
These are the five manhood marks:
1. Leaving home.
2. Completing education.
3. Starting work.
4. Marriage.
5. Parenthood.
By age 13, numbers one, two and three were checked off. By 20 or 22 at the latest, the last two were fulfilled.
The problem in today’s society is that there is no shame. Boys are coddled; children aren’t left to struggle, leaving us handicapped. We are in a crisis of manhood.
Pastor Bryan told us a story of his friend, who, when they were young, had just graduated high school.
“Son, come out here on the porch,” his dad said, holding a set of fine China.
As they spoke, the father slammed the dishes to the ground.
“Dad, what was that?” the son asked.
“That, son, was your place-setting.”
Where does strength come from? The struggle.
Back then, the bar was set so high—that was the standard!
There were so many times Joseph could have…but he didn’t. He was a noble man.
Noble men lay down their rights.
And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly (Matt 1:19). Joseph had every right to condemn Mary for what happened, but he didn’t. Like Jesus, Joseph shared the shame.
Noble men see vulnerability and fight to protect it.
Women stand by their men, but very few men stand by their women. (Please read A Promise Kept.) He chose to stand by her when all others would have attacked or abandoned.
Noble men protect purity.
“…but knew her not until she had given birth to a son” (Matt 1:25). Joseph knew how to delay gratification. Women are not just body parts, but we were made in the image of God. A woman’s value is not in her figure, but in Who she belongs to…honor and protect her.
America constantly shames women. In beer ads and commercials, in the porn industry, we constantly shame women. Have you left your wife for unbiblical reasons? Have you delved into porn? If so, you’ve taken part in shaming women, who, like, men, were created in the image of God.
When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine (Ezekiel 16:8).
Joseph obeyed God – obedience
Do not mistake quietness for passivity
John Patton went to an island of cannibals and brought them to God. How? He was asked. My father; he led the example of a man who was faithful. Look for men modeling faith, leading us in scripture and prayer.
Suggested reading
A.W. Tozer – Pursuit of God
