Jeremiah lived during a time of great upheaval for the Israelites. The kings had not been effective rulers. Jerusalem had been captured by the Babylonians and the Temple had been destroyed. The Israelites had been taken captive and were in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah prophesied that God would raise up a righteous king who would be wise and reign justly. Soon the day would arrive when the Lord would gather the people of Israel from exile and they would live together in their own land. This was a comforting message to the people of that day.

Joseph found himself in a difficult situation. When he was still engaged to Mary, he learned that she was pregnant. Since they had not lived together, Joseph would have assumed that someone else was the father of her child. Being a kind man, Joseph planned a quiet separation to save Mary from embarrassment. However, God had other plans. As Joseph slept, an angel of the Lord came to him and explained that the Holy Spirit was responsible for the conception of Mary's child. The child, Jesus, would be the savior of the people. Joseph believed the Lord and in faith took Mary as his wife. Joseph's obedience mirrored that of Mary's "yes". How difficult it must have been for Joseph! Yet he obeyed!