What Jesus Did! 'When God Stays Away' — Matthew 2:13

Sunday, January 12, 2025

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
— Matthew 2:13 NLT

Key Thought

Egypt was a long hard journey and a great unknown to this young family. Yet, it was God's place of protection. God's commands can call us to something that is unfamiliar and uncomfortable or that we consider difficult or undesirable. Yet, throughout revealed Scripture, the Father shows us his reason for these demands. He wants to protect us and bless us, just as he protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from King Herod at this crucial juncture in Jesus' life. When fully analyzed, God's commands are not unreasonable demands, but they are part of his protection. When we do what God commands, we are blessed and protected in ways we may never understand. In addition, our obedience ensures that we are available to be used by him, in his work, at his time.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, God, for caring not only about my holiness, but also about my physical and spiritual protection. Give me strength to stay away from those things you prohibit, courage to do what you ask of me, and excitement to enjoy the life I have in you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Samuel 19:9-10
  • 1 Samuel 27:1
  • Proverbs 11:9-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:13 NLT — "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," —— "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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