5 Minutes a day / 5 Days a week

with God

Matt 2:19-22

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead." 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee.

Even though a few days ago we celebrated Easter, or Resurrection Day as we Christians call it. It seems today's verse have more to do with Christmas or Jesus' birth. But regardless of the time we are reading about in the bible, God can apply it to our lives today, even though it's months before Christmas.
So how do we apply these verses to our lives today?
Once again this is talking about after Jesus was born and just a little baby over 2 years old, and if you will remember the story, Joseph and Mary went to Egypt to flee from Herod who wanted to kill Jesus. After Herod had died God told Joseph to go back home to Israel, and he did just that. But after Joseph got there, he found out that Archelaus the son of Herod was in charge and Joseph was afraid. That is one of the key words today, "afraid".
One thing I don't read in this passage is that Joseph high tailed it out of Israel when he heard this frightening news about Archelaus. No he stayed there until God said to leave.

Joseph was obedient to God. God said to go and he went, even though he was afraid he stayed until God said it was time to go. Then God said to go again and he left.

So to apply this to us today, how many times has God told you to go?
Maybe go share with someone about Jesus, or maybe go to a home group or bible study. How many times has God said to just talk to that person or go pray with him or her?
How many times has God laid someone upon your heart to pray for him or her, yet we seem to forget to?
Some things we don't do out of selfishness, or seem to think that other things are more important at the time.
But some are not done, out of fear, afraid what people will think about us if we tell them about Jesus. Will they reject you and make fun of you? Possibly, but you know what, you are in good company, because they rejected Jesus and made fun of Jesus too.
Yet Jesus did not allow fear of what others would say stop Him from telling and showing others the love of God. Fear did not keep Jesus from the cross.

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'

A child feels security as they are walking through the mall, as long as they are holding onto dad's hand.
If you are fearful, ask God to hold your right hand and to will help you.
Yet, before you even ask, know that He is doing it right now.

Matt 6:8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

E-Mail Home Page