13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
- P84
19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead." - P85
After the Magi depart, Joseph feceives a divine warning in a dream: Heroseeks to kill the child. In obedience, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt,
where they remain until Herod‘s death. This mirrors Israel‘s story: rescuedin Egypt and later called out again by God. Herod‘s cruelty leads to themassacre of innocent children, but even in tragedy, God‘s sovereign planis not thwarted. Jesus was preserved because His mission was not yet complete. - P86
Thispassage teaches us two vital truths: first, that we must be sensi-tive to the Holy Spirit‘s lead, even when it requires immediate and costlyobedience; second, no scheme of the enemy can derail God‘s purposes. Hiscanopy of protection ensures that His Word is fulfilled. - P86
After Herod‘s death, God directs Joseph to return to Israel. Yet, upon learn-ing that Herod‘s son rules in Judea, Joseph is again warned and guided tosettle in Nazareth. What seems like a practical adjustment is actually part ofGod‘s plan, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. - P86
Our lives are not random; every twist and turn is woven into God‘sdivine tapestry. Even when the path looks uncertain, or circumstances forceunexpected changes, God is still in charge of our destiny. - P86
What may appearas detours are often the very roads that align us with His promises. Therefore, we can walk in confidence, knowing that God is faithfully guidingeach step toward the fulfillment of His purposes. - P86
"For all the days ordained for me, the Lord will unfailingly give me what is best, untilhe brings me safely home."- Vaneetha Rendall Risner - P86
Sovereign God, thank You that Your purposes cannot be thwarted. Help me to walk in obedience to Your Spirit’s lead, even when You call me into unknown places. Protect me from fear and remind me daily that I live under Your covering. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P87
The Lord knew that Herod would intend to kill Jesus, and because of that,
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus would have to flee to Egypt to escape the king‘smurderous intentions. Following Herod‘s death, the Lord also knew thatMary, Joseph, and Jesus would return to Galilee and end up in Nazareth.
Herod‘s intentions could not and did not defeat God‘s authority, despiteHerod‘s best efforts. The same is true when it comes to our own intentionsand the intentions of others.
- P87
When we make decisions, we make them based on intentions we havein our hearts. Those intentions can be aligned with either the Lord‘s will,
our own will, or the will of others. However, when those of us who followGod make our decisions based on something that does not align with theLord‘s will, or others make decisions that affect us yet are not aligned withthe Lord‘s will, God still has the final say on what will occur. - P87
Anything thatHe does not allow to happen will not happen. Herod intended to kill Jesusbut failed to do so because the Lord did not allow it. For those of us whofollow the Lord, this should come as a comfort because we have a God whois in power over everything and has authority over all. - P87
Therefore, in everycircumstance, we need not worry. He is there with us, He knows what willhappen, and He knows what we need to face what He allows. - P87
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