Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Bible Dads: Joseph, Jesus' Earthly Dad
Today’s Devotion:
Bible Dads: Joseph, Jesus' Earthly Dad
Don’t you wish we knew more about Joseph the carpenter, the earthly father of Jesus? He wasn’t famous in his own day, and we don’t know as much about him now as we’d like. But we’re told he was “a just man” (Matthew 1:19). His heart had been broken when his fiancée was found pregnant before their marriage. But an angel came and explained it all to him. And Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matthew 1:24). At every point in the childhood of Christ, Joseph obeyed the heavenly commands (Matthew 2:19-23).
He was a carpenter. The Greek term means a craftsman who works with stone and wood. At some point prior to our Lord’s ministry, it appears Joseph died, but no details are given.
That’s about all we know of Joseph. But there’s something that dads (and the rest of us) can learn from this. Being rich and famous isn’t necessary to be a good father or a noble person. It’s far more vital to be honest, hardworking, and obedient to the voice of the Lord. That’s the kind of earthly father Jesus had. We need to make sure we are honest, hardworking, and obedient today.
Be more concerned about your character than your reputation.
John Wooden
For Your Phone or Tablet
Official Mobile App and Lock Screens
Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).