Yesterday we considered the way that God had defended the bloodline that Jesus had been born into. We saw how the historical family of Jesus had been guarded through the generations so that Jesus could be born into the same family line. We saw how He was able to come and undo the mistakes made by Adam all those generations beforehand. When you read today’s passage you see the same pattern emerging.

God was still protecting them from harm, instructing the Magi not to engage in further conversations with Herod and to leave for home via a different route. Then protecting Mary and Joseph again instructing them through another angelic visitation to pack their bags and head for Egypt to avoid the forthcoming slaughter of baby boys. And, finally sending word to Joseph in a dream that the time had come to return to Israel again after Herod had died. The whole story has the feel of a well-orchestrated plan about it designed to ensure that Jesus was able to get to the point that He had set out to reach – the cross. There would undoubtedly be more trials to endure before that event could happen 33 years later but for now we need to see that God was at work in the lives of Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the Magi and the nation of Israel – the chosen people.

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Questions:

Whilst you’re considering all that why not spend a little time today asking yourself where you see God at work in your life or the life of your family? Think back over the generations that you know about in your own family and see if you can see where God has been busy working behind the scenes. Then perhaps you might want to think about the things that are coming up in this new year and where He might want to be at work for you there too.

Prayer:

Lord God thank you for the story that You have invited to become a part of. Thank you that You’re at work in us and around us even when we don’t see it. We ask today Lord that You might reveal at least part of Your plan for us so that we might walk more carefully through it with You. In Jesus’ name we ask. Amen.