Often times, especially when we are very young, steps are taken on our behalf to protect us. Our parents or guardians keep us in out of the rain, cold, or snow. They make sure we have food to eat so we don't starve. Keeping a baby clean, warm, and dry prevents viruses, bacteria, and disease. Joseph had a very real danger here. He was going to protect Jesus.
That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, His mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called My Son out of Egypt." Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance. Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: "A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead." (Matthew 2:14-18 NLT)
Jesus would eventually die, but under his own terms. He would be old enough to fulfill more prophecies, perform miracles, teach, and, when his followers understood, lay down his life for his "sheep." Jesus' death would become the most significant death in all of history because it brings life to the world. Not this day, though. On this day, as a baby, he was protected.
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the child and His mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead." So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and His mother. (Matthew 2:19-21 NLT)
How about you? Do you have times in your life where steps were taken for you? Did they protect you? Have you thanked the one(s) who took those step(s)? Have you protected those in your care?
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