Scripture Text: Matthew 2:13-15
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15
In our last study in the book of Apostle Matthew, we learned about God's protection through His people and Son. God commanded Joseph to take the child and his mother to flee to Egypt because Herod would try to destroy Jesus.
In our previous study, we saw Joseph's obedience to the Word of the Lord, as he did not question the message but obeyed it.
Continuing our study in the book of Apostle Matthew, we observe that he emphasizes something crucial in the passage – the affirmation that the Lord Jesus is the true Israel.
After recounting God's protection and Joseph's obedience, Apostle Matthew immediately declares the fulfillment of the prophet Hosea's words: "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."
Though Hosea chapter eleven (11) is traditionally associated with the nation of Israel, Apostle Matthew wanted to emphasize that Jesus is the True Israel of God. As he said, "And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'"
Here, my fellow believer, our Lord Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God, the True Israel of God, far different from the nation of Israel. Unlike the unfaithful and disobedient Israel, Jesus is faithful, fulfilling God's covenant perfectly, and sinless in the eyes of God.
Therefore, all who choose and have faith in Christ are blessed by the grace of God. Those in Christ become part of the true Nation of God and the genuine offspring of Abraham, thanks to the True Israel of God – our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflect
1. Do you perceive the overflowing grace of God through Christ?
2. Do you recognize that all blessings come through Christ?
Remember
Apostle Matthew wants us to realize who is our Lord Jesus Christ, He is the son of Abraham, the son of David, the Son of God and, He is the True Israel of God – the one who is Holy. We are blessed because of Him and on Him alone we will become blessed.
Read
Matthew 2:13-15; Matthew 4:1-11; Exodus 32:1-6; Hosea 11:1; Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:29
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for your eternal grace. You save sinners like us and make us part of your kingdom through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This truth is more valuable than the riches of this world. All glory belongs to you. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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