Scripture Text: Matthew 2:13-14
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.
Matthew 2:13-14
In our last study in the book of Apostle Matthew, we have seen the amazing grace of the Lord through His people, the "Magi," by saving them from the hand of Herod and also from the hand of the real enemy of humanity – sin. By allowing them to encounter the newly born Jesus – who is the Christ, the promised Savior, and the Son of God.
As we continue studying the book of Apostle Matthew, here he immediately brings us to the scene where the angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph in his dream — to tell them to leave Bethlehem and go to Egypt so that they would be safe from Herod's hand because God knew that Herod would kill the King of the Jews.
Furthermore, in the following verse when Herod knew that the wise men tricked him, he immediately ordered to kill all male children in Bethlehem and even in other regions who were two years old or under.
In this part, we have seen the amazing work of the Lord by protecting Joseph, Mary, and his son – Jesus – from the hands of Herod.
In addition, we can also see the obedience of Joseph to God's messages to him. By not questioning the word of the Lord, instead, he obeyed it. So, when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in dreams and warned him and commanded him to "rise," he immediately did it. He left Bethlehem and went to the land of Egypt.
Therefore, my fellow believer, God wants us as his children to always respond to His commands and will. So, with every word of God, especially His commands – let’s not give reasoning but instead respond with action – because the true children of God obey His words. As the scripture says - This is how we can be sure that we know God: If we obey God's commands, we know that we belong to him.
Let’s do His Words—don't be afraid to do His will—our God will always guide us every day in this life.
Reflect
1. Do you see the faithfulness and steadfastness of God by protecting his people?
2. Do you immediately do the commands and will of God? If not, what is the reason?
Remember
God's desire for all of us as His children is to do His commands to us. Even in the very beginning of creation, He wants His people to do His command to them, being saved and being His children in Christ – the Lord's desire for us is to rise and follow His Words always.
Read
Matthew 2, Jeremiah 7:23, 1 John 5:2-3, 1 John 2:4, 2 John 1:6
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace always, by saving sinners like us, by allowing your Son to reach us so that your people will be saved – give us a heart that always desires to follow your will and commands. Let our hearts thoroughly change and let every heartbeat say not my will but your will be done!
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