Opposition of King Herod
Key Verses: 1, 7, 19, 22
We are familiar with the contents of this chapter from the cultural telling of the Christmas story. This can be a curse, because we think we know the story. For instance the wise men, think about it, how long was their journey and when did they arrive? We tend to think that they arrived when Jesus was born, to the manger scene. But they probably traveled almost two years before they arrived, because Herod kills all the babies under two years old out of paranoia. A two year journey following a star! They held fast to what they believed!
And think about the role of angels and dreams in the early life of Jesus. Before His conception, before the silent divorce, and now to the wise men and Joseph; without these history would have been very different. Jesus would most certainly have been killed before two years old. No miracles, no crucifixion. And all these details were relayed to the Prophets hundreds of years before they happened, so that when they did happen, they provided confirmation of Jesus’ identity as Messiah.
Then Joseph returns to Israel, but settles in Nazareth instead of Bethlehem. Are there details of your life’s journey that seem to be orchestrated by the Lord? I can look back, now that I am getting older, and see the Lord’s hand at work in the many shifts and turns through which we have traveled. I can see my talents and abilities being shaped and molded over time. I often didn’t see the exact way that the Lord was using the moves until years later. Some of the details are still a bit blurry, but I can definitely see His hand over the years. I haven’t had angels or dreams like Joseph, but I have sensed His direction.
Do you sense God’s direction in your life? When facing decisions, do you pause long enough to hear His voice, or do you just flip a coin and charge into the future? I want to encourage you to expect God’s leading. There may not be dreams and angels appearing, but He will give you guidance and direction. Expect it!
The Arnold Journey 