"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 2:13-15

 January 8

"After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel said to him, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and kill him.' Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left for Egypt that night. He stayed there until Herod died. What the Lord had spoken through the prophet came true: “I have called my son out of Egypt." -Matthew 2:13-15 (GW)

Have you ever received a warning? Warnings can come in different ways including lab reports of health issues, phone calls telling us bank accounts are low, or calls from teachers saying things aren't well with our child. Warnings can come from friends or family concerned about us in some way. Warnings also come from God through prayer, an angelic presence, or dreams. This was the second dream Joseph received from God. Joseph's first dream warned him not to divorce Mary as she was faithful and her child was the expected Messiah. (Mt.1:20, 21). His second dream warned him to flee and told how to protect Jesus' life. Although Joseph wasn't Jesus' biological father, he was his legal father. Joseph was not only open to God's guidance; he also accepted responsibility for the safety and well-being of Mary and their son with passion, strength, and courage. Fleeing to Egypt was wise as there were large Jewish settlements in many Egyptian towns and cities that had formed during the Exile. God not only provided a warning, but directions and guidance to ensure a prosperous and safe future.

They could have chosen to dismiss it all as "just a dream," and sleep in. But they had spiritual eyes and ears that saw deeply onto truth and were obedient to God. This reality saved their lives as the Holy Family fled from Herod's troop's intent on killing all baby boys in Bethlehem. How do you deal with warnings in life? Do you ignore them, hope they go away, or refuse to believe they are real? Divine guidance speaks loudest to those with open hearts and spirits who believe God can and will speak to us. Open your ears today. God wants to speak to you in new and deeper ways. Listen!

Prayer: God, Open my spiritual eyes and ears anew. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Warnings can bring new beginnings.

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