A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

GOD IS IN CHARGE      

Matthew 2:13 “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.”  

Herod issued orders to have all male children aged two and younger killed. The total number of executions was probably not great, since it is estimated the total population of Bethlehem was 2,000 to 3,000. Bible scholars have estimated perhaps 20 to 40 baby boys were killed as a result of Herod’s order. Herod was confident his decree would eliminate the threat of the new born king announced to him by the Magi from surviving.   

God loved the world and sent His Son Jesus into it to save it from its sins. A dead Savior would save no one. God intended for His Son not to die by Herod’s sword, but on a cross some thirty plus years later. Jesus first had work to do including living a perfect, sinless life. He was sent by God to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. He came into the world to institute the sacraments. Herod, nor anyone else could deter or distract Jesus from carrying out His Father’s plan of salvation. 

So, God sent an angel to go to Joseph in a dream to tell him to take Jesus and his wife Mary to Egypt. They were to stay in Egypt until Herod died. Again, Bible scholars estimate their time in Egypt was between two and four years. Exactly when they returned to Nazareth is not known because the next Bible reference to Jesus was when He was twelve years of age. 

God insured that His plan of salvation would be protected then and still does today. There are enemies of the Gospel still today. These enemies attempt to silence the Gospel. They try to put the Christian church, so to speak, out of business. They try to discredit the Gospel’s message, belittle the saving work of Jesus, and propose new gods and new messages to replace the Bible’s message of God’s love for sinners, Christ’s work of salvation through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious Easter resurrection. 

Thanks be to God that no one can ultimately overcome Him and His plan of salvation of sinners. As was Jesus, you, by God’s grace are safe in your faith and trust in Him. No one and nothing can separate you from the love of God which is yours in Christ Jesus your Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) 

Prayer: Watch over me heavenly Father and all who believe in You, that no one and nothing can separate us from you through Christ Jesus Your Son. In His holy name. Amen.

God, you wrap your love around us, Like a blanket soft and warm.  You give rest when we are weary, You protect us from the storm.  May each person who finds shelter In these blankets that we share  Also feel the joy and comfort Of your love's protecting care.  

Jesus, you were once a baby, Sought by those who would destroy.  Into Egypt you were carried - Far from home, a little boy.  Were you wrapped up warm to travel, Safe from terror, free from harm? Did you feel God's strong protection, Snuggle there in Mary's arm?  

May the women, men and children Fleeing danger every day  Know, through us, your living presence; You walk with them on their way. Spirit as you give the comfort, Teach us here to freely give.  May we blanket this world over With your love, so all may live.  
(Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Printed Words used with permission under CCLI@1600874)