When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead."
So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: "He will be called a Nazarene."
— Matthew 2:19-23 NLT
Key Thought
In this passage, we see Joseph caught in a wonderful and mysterious dance with God. God revealed his protective guidance in dreams, through angels, and in visions. Joseph, however, still had to discern the meaning of God's help and had to choose to obey his direction. So often we want everything spelled out, "just like they did in the Bible." We forget that Joseph and Mary were living a mystery that was too big to wrap their minds around; at times it was frightening and at other times it was just bewildering. The human guidance, advice, and training they received to prepare them for what lay ahead of them are remarkably similar to our own — little or none. This situation, of course, made them rely more on God each day for his direction and protection. Interestingly, after the initial bursts of divine revelation, Joseph and Mary appear to have been faced with the same kind of child raising issues that most of us face, with one exception: They were raising God's Messiah. They had to rely on God to lead them through this mystery. So must we!
Today's Prayer
Ever-present Father, I am comforted to see your protection of your Son when he was so vulnerable. I am thankful that there was never a place or time that your presence was not with him. Please inspire my confidence in your presence in my life, too. I long for you to make yourself known in my life each day as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Proverbs 3:1-6
- Jeremiah 23:5-6
- Psalm 5:4-7
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, January 16, 2021
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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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