"The Quiet Man"

 

“The Quiet Man”

 

(This is the first in a series of five postings based on the actions of persons involved in the Christmas story who are often overlooked. But God used each one in a unique way as He entered human history through the birth of His Son Jesus.)

In 1952 Republic Pictures released The Quiet Man, an award-winning romantic drama starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Karen and I researched the reason for the title but were unable to find a definitive answer. Our guess is that the main character, a retired boxer played by Wayne, was guilt-ridden over causing the death of an opponent and kept this secret until near the end of the movie.

There is a “quiet man” of the Christmas story: Joseph. (There are 15 men by this name mentioned in Scripture and only Joseph, the son of Jacob who rose from slavery to be second ruler in Egypt—see his story in Genesis 37-50—is better known.) This Joseph was the husband of Mary whom God chose to be the mother of Jesus, making him His earthly father. Why is he called “the quiet man”? Because the gospels record no words he spoke. But God’s Word suggests he was to be admired for these reasons:

*He was a man of industry who supported his family as a carpenter and taught the trade to Jesus (“Isn’t this {i.e. Jesus} the carpenter’s son?—Matthew 13:55; “Isn’t this {Jesus} the carpenter?”—Mark 6:3).

*He was a man of integrity who loved Mary and didn’t want to subject her to public ridicule when her pregnancy became evident (“Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly….”—Matthew 1:19, TM).

*He was a man of faith who, even though poor by the world’s standards, followed God’s law after Jesus’ birth (“They {i.e. Joseph and Mary} offered the sacrifice prescribed by the Law—A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.”—Luke 2:24, PH).

*He was a man of obedience who, in response to God’s angel’s instructions, “…Took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24) and “…Got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt….” (Matthew 2:14). His submission to God protected Jesus and Mary so His plan would be fulfilled.

Joseph shows us that meaningful actions are far more important than meaningless words. Let’s put his example to work in our lives to model God’s truth by what we do.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan