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“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night
and left for Egypt.”
Matthew 2:14
I remember the trip home with our new baby girl Brookelyn. I gently loaded her precious little body into the car seat. The nurse helped me snap her little chair into the seat behind us, and we drove home. The drive was only a couple of miles but seemed like forever. I have never driven so carefully. I made a left onto Main Street, crossed the bridge over the river, and stopped at the crowded stop light. I was so nervous. I thought ‘what if someone rear-ends us? What if someone doesn’t stop at the red light when I get a green? What if my driving shakes her delicate little brain?” I was so nervous, I just wanted to get my baby girl home. Dads want to protect their children.
Joseph was no different. He was a father. Joseph's precious baby boy was born in the most incredible way! His child was honored by shepherds at the manger, Simeon and Anna in the temple, and Magi from the East came and visited them in their humble little home. Joseph, the young father, probably thought things were finally settling down. Matthew tells us what happened…
When 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.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” - Matthew 2:13-15
Joseph’s heart must have been racing when he awoke from the dream. What would Mary say? She had been through so much. But Joseph, following God’s command did exactly what he was supposed to. Ultimately, God protects Joseph, Mary, and the baby. God protects you too. God’s protection may not be popular, or frankly the way you would protect yourself, but God’s priority is not comfort, His priority is your heart.
Wondering how far God will go to protect you? Look to the manger, then look to the cross and you won't have to look any further. God protected your salvation, by commanding Joseph to take his family to Egypt, so that Jesus would not die at the hands of Herod, but on the cross for you.
In Christ, you have Wonderful Protection.
It really is A Wonderful Life … in Christ. See you Sunday as we start the new year together! I can’t wait!
Pastor Austin
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