Advent 2022 – Day 20: Matthew 2:19-20
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
Matthew 2:19-20, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Jesus came to live amongst us, bringing danger to His earthly family.
The promises we get from God are that those of the world will hate us for following Him, so it is dangerous to follow Christ. (John 15:18-25)
We still see that God protects His own.
The one who tried to kill fellow image-bearers in an attempt to destroy God had died, and God told Jesus’ family they could safely return home.
Likewise, we know that we face dangers from those in this world who want to do the same as Herod, and sometimes this includes our own thoughts and actions.
Yet, God came to us, defeating the power of Satan and this world, showing He still protects His own.
So we also know that this world is not our home, and Christ has defeated the power that still influences our lives. (John 16:33)
Christ has shown us how to live and trust and love in the midst of danger.
He did not give in, but He made a way for us to join Him in our eternal home.
May we seek the Lord who has saved us from sin and protects us from the ultimate effects of sin.