Egypt’s Flight

And when they were departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  Matthew 2:13

The angel had sounded the alarm and God’s warning was clear.  The Wise Men heeded God’s warning and Joseph did too.  I don’t know if the Wise Men were inconvenienced in any way having to return to their country another way, but I do know that it was a sacrifice for Mary and Joseph.  Egypt was not home, in fact, it was the unknown.  It was dark, the middle of the night and not to mention, they had a newborn.  God was protecting the child and the family but oh was this going to be hard.  Donald C Stamps says, “God did not protect Joseph and Mary and their child without their cooperation.”  Protection required obedience, hard or not. 

Some may think that it would have been easier for God to just get rid of Herod and avoid the trials of Egypt.  Just because a trial as ended or the problem is “fixed”, it doesn’t mean that we won’t face something else, another trial.  The enemy does not stop. He walks around seeking to kill steal and destroy.  The solution to a problem does not stop the flow of trials.  Our salvation and faith in God does not guarantee freedom from trials, pain and suffering are part of life. 

Donald C. Stamps mentions several reasons that believers suffer.  Our suffering could be because of the ongoing consequence of the fall of Adam and Eve.  It could be a consequence of our own actions or because of the effect of a sinful and corrupt world.  It could even be because of Satan himself.  He does control this present evil age and certainly delights to persecute believers.  Whatever the reason, our obedience is the key to stopping the plans of Satan.  Joseph was obedient to God’s warnings because he knew God knows best how to deliver those He loves from the hands of the wicked.  We must remember Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God always brings “good” from the trials and Psalms 23 promises He will always stand with us in our pain.  The trials of Egypt brought the Savoir of the World safely to Nazareth to fulfill prophecy.  I can only image what He will do for you and me!  Be obedient!

Pastor Julia Scott