Directed Steps

N.T. #10 "Directed Steps" 

Feb. 20, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 5

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. (verse 19). 

LET IT GLOW

We were gone 17 years from my hometown. My husband and I, with two small children, packed up our possessions and moved to a town in the southern part of our state. Both sets of grandparents were upset with us. We were following the Lord as He led us to go to college as we surrendered to the ministry. How wise the Lord was in leading us there. We learned to depend upon Him for all things. We learned how faithful God is. Had we stayed, we probably would not have been in ministry 43 years.

An important event happened, which I forgot about. When Jesus was 8 days old, His parents circumcised Jesus and naming him. They brought Jesus to the Jerusalem in order to present Him to the Lord. While there, they offered a sacrifice. Also, they met Simeon and Anna at the Temple. (Luke 2) The couple returned to Nazareth for a while. (Luke 2:39)

We left Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Egypt. We do not know for sure how long they were there. Some say it was 6-7 years. Actually, I never thought about it until reading that. Apparently, it was not unusual for Jews to go to Egypt, for they had colonies in several major Egyptian cities. Some Jews had been banished from living in the land of Judah during the reign of Babylon there. (Jeremiah 43-44)

There is an interesting parallel between Israel going to Egypt and Jesus as a child going there. Then God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1) and God brought Jesus back. Both events show God working to save His people. (Life Application Study Bible)

Soon the gold would have run out, so I wonder if Joseph found work as a carpenter while in Egypt. However it was, isn't important. God provided for this set apart family for further kingdom work. How gracious is our God! 

LET IT GROW

Do we stop to consider the wailing and mourning going on in Bethlehem and along the coast when horrible Herod had the children 2 years and younger killed. (verse 16) He did not want a rival king growing up. He knew one was born in Bethlehem, according to the wise men. 

John MacArthur gives us some historical insight as to what happened in Israel:

• Herod's kingdom was divided 3 ways among his sons after his death.
• Archelaus ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. He was brutal and ineffective so he was deposed by Rome after a short reign and replaced with a governor appointe by Rome. Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of Judea. Herod Antipas, his brother, was the main Herod in the Gospel accounts. He was the one who had John the Baptist put to death. (chapter 14)
• Originally, Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea. (Luke 3:1)
• The other son, Herod Philip II, ruled the regions north of Galilee. (Luke 3:1)
• It was in the fifteenth-year reign of these guys that John became a preacher and baptiser of repentance of people.

That seems to set the scene for us. You do know that Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins? God had this all planned out. I find it amazing. Do we realize that God directs our steps?

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.  

     (Psalm 37:23-25)

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Ps. 37:31)

Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (Ps. 37:34)

Are we willing to go? Are we seeking God's place for our service? Blessing await us when we get where God has us to serve Him.

LET IT GO 

Help us to hold onto things lightly so when You require them, it is easy to let go. 

May we love You, God, with all our heart today.