Friday, December 24—Christmas Eve

ONE STEP IN FRONT OF THE OTHER…GOD'S WAY

Matthew 2:13-23

When we read this story, it can be confusing, and it can seem like Joseph and Mary are just running around aimlessly, but God had a plan through it all.  God was directing even down to the minutest detail.  Let’s take a look and see if Joseph had room for God’s plan.

Less than two years after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary were still living in Bethlehem. Herod, through the Wise Men, found out that a new King of the Jews was born, so he tried to have the baby killed.  God, however, had a different plan, for this new King was Jesus.  God sent an angel in a dream, which told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt.  This doesn’t seem to make sense to us—take God’s “promise” and go to Egypt?  Joseph had to go however, because not only would they be safe in Egypt, but also, this was prophesied in the Old Testament.  "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." (Hosea 11:1)  Remember, they didn’t have cars or trains, so they had to carry all their belongings.  This wasn’t going to be an easy decision for all involved, but it doesn’t look like Joseph even thought about it.  He had enough room for God’s plan, so he just packs up and leaves. 

God didn’t leave them in Egypt very long, however.  After Herod died, God sent an angel again and told them to come back to Israel.  When Joseph finally gets back to Israel, he finds out that Herod’s son is now reigning.  Joseph might have been scared, but God certainly wasn’t; this was all part of His plan.  He wanted Jesus in Nazareth.  After all, that’s where Joseph and Mary originally were from, and they probably had family in the area.  Joseph, once again, makes room for God’s plan and settles in Nazareth.  "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets; He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:23)

As you can see, Joseph and Mary weren’t just running for their lives, God was directing their every move.  Joseph and Mary selflessly laid down all their own plans, and trusted in God’s leading.  Through Joseph’s act of obedience, all the Old Testament prophesies were fulfilled, Jesus’ life was preserved, and God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled.  God took the time to prepare the way for the Christ, and He promises to direct our lives, also. God is in control of this world, but will we let Him have control of our lives?  He doesn’t just let things “happen”; there is a reason for everything.  We must, like Joseph, surrender our lives and give Jesus all the room in our hearts.  "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself:  It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."  (Jeremiah 10:23)  We can’t direct our own steps, because we can’t see the future.  We don’t know if we will even have another breath, but God does know the future, and is in control of everything.  So, make room for Him today.

~ Jason Frantz