A life-threatening situation
An angel of ADONAI visited Miriam in Nazareth, Galilee, and told her that she was chosen to carry the Savior of the world, the Son of the Most High, whom she would name Yehoshua/Jesus (English). Soon after she went to visit Elishba her relative who was also pregnant with a miracle baby. Miriam was betrothed (legally married but was yet to move to his house at the appointed time). to Yusuf at the time. When Mary returned from her visit to Elishiba in the hill country of Judea, she would have been 3 months pregnant. ( Matthew 1 and 2; Luke 1:26-38; 2:5). Miriam was in a difficult situation. It was unacceptable to be pregnant before marriage and the punishment was the death penalty by stoning. ( Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22: 20-21).
The wedding contract/ Ketubah
As per the customs prevalent at the time, Yusuf/Joseph's father Jacob, Heli (Matt 1:16; Luke 3:23) would have made a marriage contract with Miriam's father, Joachim because they belonged to the same tribe. They were of the tribe of Judah and the line of David. It was called the Ketubah ( in Hebrew) and was a legally ratified marriage contract with at least two witnesses, who were family members. According to the Torah, the husband was required to guarantee food, clothing, and conjugal rights and a substantial payment for the woman in case of divorce or his death. This ensures the woman's rights and the husband's duties and boundaries, making divorce difficult. The bride price was also finalized, to pay for the girl who would leave her family. The Ketubah was legally binding and they were considered married even though the actual wedding celebration and consummation would be a year or so later. When the couple agreed to commit to each other, it was called erusin in Hebrew. Luke 2:1-7. The bride would prepare for her move and the groom would prepare a room or house for his bride. They were permitted to meet often during this period.
When the girls attained maturity, parents would get them engaged and married a year or so later. They were as young as twelve to seventeen, with thirteen as the median age. Miriam was especially curious about how she would carry the child without contact with her husband. She did not know that her child would not be from her union with Joseph. She was a pregnant virgin and would remain so till after the birth of her son. ( Matt 1:18) On her part, Miriam had no evidence to give that she was faithful to Yusuf except her word. The only logical explanation was adultery or rape. That would require a public hearing and it would result in the death penalty. ( Deuteronomy 22:22). or a private legal divorce. When she returned from her visit to Elishba, news of her pregnancy reached Yusuf, and his family would have reacted strongly, pressurizing him to divorce her or worse. It was a tense and difficult situation, unsafe for Miriam to go into the village.
Dreams that save lives.
The angel spoke to a disturbed Joseph in a dream as he agonized over how to divorce his wife, Miriam without her being defamed or stoned because he was Tzaddik/ a righteous man. He would've been between 17-20 years old. ( Matt 1:20-25; Isaiah 7:14). Yusuf had to stand against his own family to bring Miriam home and they would not have been happy to accept her as their daughter-in-law. Instead, without much ado, he brought her to his house immediately to be under his roof and protection. That made him the savior of the Savior of the world and Miriam. How obedient, and quick he was. He was so relieved that she was faithful and in awe that he would raise the Son of ADONAI in his son. When Yusuf named him Yehoshua/ Jesus, he formally accepted him as his son. The child Yeshua would be born to and raised by legally married parents.
The formal home-taking ceremony is called Nissuin in Hebrew. Before the wedding, there would be a lot of preparations. Normally a group of females from the girl's family would bring her to the groom's house with music and song to be followed by celebrations hosted by the groom's family. Their plans had gone awry. Even though nothing is mentioned in the Bible, the culture would have required them to hold week-long celebrations with food, wine, song, and dance for the whole village.
Saving lives
When our friends help us and do things we couldn't do ourselves, especially in dangerous and difficult situations, they 'save our lives'! We are filled with gratitude and relief. When Lucy fell ill, she suffered from a high fever and severe abdominal pain for a few days with no relief. She was nauseated and could not eat or drink. She asked a doctor for help. After some basic investigations, they came to the diagnosis and treated her condition. She made a good recovery and was relieved to be out of pain. Most patients have similar feelings towards their doctors when they are cured. Many people work at saving lives and the gratitude that makes their job worthwhile.
Jones arrived at a marathon competition hoping to win the race. He had imagined himself raising the cup and taking the cheque. He had been practicing for months and was excited to finish the race. However, as he ran, the wind in his face, he stumbled and fell. To his dismay, the left shoe was irreparably torn and he knew it would be impossible to win the race. Just then, a friend in the crowd, who'd seen the damage, passed his shoes to Jones. Jones stepped into them and finished the race as planned. He knew his friend had saved the day when he lifted the winner's cup. Jones hugged him gratefully.
The Savior of the World.
The Heavenly Father sent Jesus/Yeshua/ Yehushua to be the Savior of the world. He preached the good news of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead. He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and the lame walked. He brought the Kingdom of YHWH to earth and became the way, the truth, and life for all who believe in him. He will always be with us and never forsake us. We are filled with His Spirit and presence. He is dependable and faithful forever.
Nothing can get better than this. This is the best relationship to have. It is unimaginable that the Creator God, so majestic and greater than creation, full of power and might, love and mercy wants to have a Father-son relationship with us forever. He wants us to walk in His light and way. He empowers us with His presence, power, and shalom to do mighty works to glorify His Name. He has given His Word to lead and direct our path.
Prayer
I pray that you walk life with Yeshua the Savior. Shalom.
Thanx for enlighten us....
Loved it.
💪🏻