What Jesus did? - for January 13

This One Always Obeys - Matthew 2:14-15

So Joseph got up and left for Egypt with the baby and the baby's mother. They left during the night. Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod died. This happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet. The Lord said, "I called my son to come out of Egypt." (ERV)

Key Thought
God moves in mysterious ways and uses common people to do his work and accomplish his will. The connection between an Old Testament reference and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus depends upon Joseph's doing what God asked him to do in the middle of the night. While we know so very little about Joseph, one thing we do know: when God asked him to do the unthinkable, the crazy, and the unheard of, he didn't argue or hesitate; he obeyed. Not once, but repeatedly. I don't know about you, but I hope that I can have the courage and faith to be that bold and obedient!

Today's Prayer
Give me courage and faith, O LORD, to trust and obey as Joseph did. Humble me gently, dear Father, until my pride gives way to one truth: "No matter what God asks, this one always obeys." Father, I make this request in the name of Jesus, who lived and died to be obedient to your will and save me from my sins. Amen.

What Jesus did? -for January 12

When God Stays Away - Matthew 2:13

After the wise men left, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, "Get up! Take the baby and his mother and escape to Egypt. Herod will start looking for the baby. Herod wants to kill him. So stay in Egypt until I tell you {it is safe}." (ERV)

Key Thought

Egypt was a long hard journey and a great unknown to this young family. Yet it was God’s place of protection. God’s commands can call us to something undesirable, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable. Yet the Father shows us his reason for these demands throughout revealed Scripture. He wants to protect us and bless us, just as he protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from King Herod at this crucial juncture in Jesus' life. When fully analyzed, many of God's commands are not unreasonable demands or prohibitions, but they are part of his protection. When we do what God commands, we are blessed and protected in ways we may never understand. In addition, our obedience ensures that we are available to be used by him, in his work, at his time.

Today's Prayer
Thank you, God, for caring not only about my holiness, but also for my physical and spiritual protection. Give me strength to stay away from those things you prohibit, courage to do what you ask of me, and excitement to enjoy the life I have in you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.