Verse: Matthew 2:19-21
19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
Devotion:
In verse 19, we find God speaking directly again, this time through a dream. God directs Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Israel because it is safe after Herod’s death. If you remember back a couple of verses, king Herod felt threatened by Jesus and feared that He would take power from his reign. Therefore, he wanted to search for Jesus and kill Him to negate the threat. After having the dream, Joseph immediately obeyed. He left for Israel with Jesus and Mary.
Reading these verses I have two big take aways. 1- wouldn’t it be cool if God spoke to us that directly and clearly? My initial reaction is that it would be so much easier to be obedient if God would just directly tell me what to do…. But that leads me to 2- woah, look how obedient Joseph was. Immediately. Even if the Lord told me directly what to do, would I be this obedient? Would I immediately drop everything where I am and relocate? What about with smaller decisions, would I follow His guidance on day to day decisions? Personally, I struggle with overanalyzing and questioning. I like control, so I want to be sure. I’d have questions, I’d come up with reasons why maybe it wasn’t God telling me and why I need another sign…
But here’s the thing- as much as I say I wish God would just tell me… He tries. Personally, the lack of hearing His voice almost always says more about the space I’m making to spend time with Him and listen than it does about His clarity. He wants to talk to us. He wants to guide our steps and nudge us along our way. The more time we spend growing in relationship with Him, the more we are able to quiet the chaotic world around us and hear Him. Additionally, the more we grow in relationship with Him, the more we trust Him. The more we trust Him, the easier it is to obey His voice when we hear it. It’s the only way to combat my mind always telling me I need another sign, I need to be sure, questioning if hearing Him correctly, etc. I know the more time I am spending with Him, the more in tune I am with His guidance.
I would encourage you, friend, to sit and consider what your time with the Lord looks like. How do you usually hear God’s guidance? How are you making space to hear His voice? How are you spending time growing your relationship with Him so you learn to trust His voice?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to dig into Your Word and learn about the way You used every moment of Your Son’s life to teach me. Thank You for showing me this example of Joseph’s trust and obedience when he hears Your voice. Use me the same way Lord. Help me to prioritize my time with you God. Make it the desire of my heart to continue growing in my relationship with You. Help tune my heart to hear Your voice and give me the strength to be obedient as You guide my steps. We love you Lord, amen.
Guest Author: Becca Artymenko