"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Matthew 2:19-23

January 15

"After Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. The angel said to him, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to Israel. Those who tried to kill the child are dead.' Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there. Warned in a dream, he left for Galilee and made his home in a city called Nazareth. So what the prophets had said came true: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'" -Matthew 2:19-23 (GW)

Getting up in the middle of the night is hard enough but packing and fleeing from your home like Mary and Joseph seems almost impossible. It's hard to imagine the effort it must have taken or the challenges the cold and dark offered to this young struggling family. Yet Joseph obeyed the guidance he received from God even though it caused disruption, hardship, and great changes in life. Jesus could have been anywhere from 4 to 10 years old at this time. We don't know how many years after King Herod died the angel appeared to Joseph. We do know the evil king died a miserable painful death. The historian Josephus says he was "eaten by worms". In any event God not only provided instructions and guidance but gave Joseph wisdom when they arrived in Israel.

Archaleus was the most evil of Herod's wicked sons. Rome trusted Herod but didn't trust his sons. Herod had divided his kingdom into three parts, one for each son. Archelaus received Judea, Samaria, and Idumea; Herod Antipas received Galilee and Perea. Archelaus began his reign by slaughtering 3,000 Jewish leaders. God protected Joseph's family from living near this evil king. He guided them to seek a home in Nazareth where they had family and friends. In this way prophecies about the Messiah were also fulfilled in Jesus' humble beginnings. (Mic.5:2; Mth. 2:15). If you are struggling with change, uncertainties, or challenges this February, remember God is waiting to guide and protect you even as he did Joseph's family. Draw closer to God and seek wisdom. He will provide it abundantly!

Prayer: God, Please grant me wisdom in dark seasons. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Change can be God's way of rescuing us.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)