The Flight into Egypt: The Importance of Obedience

December 30th, 2023

From the cradle to a toddler, the journey continued, because the prophecy must be fulfilled.

SCRIPTURE: "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.' 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:13-15

The protection of the Lord starts with obedience. Whether it is obeying His Word or a direct command, obedience is what is expected. The Bible tells us in Samuel that obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience puts you in the direct path of blessings, provision, or protection. The Lord expects obedience. Obedience requires faith and trust. Obedience does not always feel good but being obedient is always good.

The Lord spoke to Joseph through His angel and gave Joseph a direct command. The nature and tone of the directive suggested that this act was to be done immediately, not when Joseph woke the next morning, not after breakfast, or after work but forthwith. Get up! The exclamation point denotes urgency. Flee to Egypt with Mary and the child and stay there until I tell you to return. Joseph was obedient despite not knowing what was waiting for him in Egypt. Joseph was obedient despite not knowing how long he would have to stay. Joseph was obedient! In the middle of the night, he got Mary and Jesus and fled to Egypt. Joseph’s obedience protected the child and fulfilled a prophecy. Joseph did not question the Lord; he did as he was told.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to obey You the way Joseph did. Forgive us Father when we hem and haw at Your directives. Thank You for Your grace and mercy even when disobedience takes us the long way around. Thank You for Your word that provides clarity when we sin and question You and Your authority. Forgive us Lord when fear, doubt, or rebellion cause us to disobey, disregard, or dismiss Your commands. Thank You for the lessons, the training, the trips to the shed that put us in a place of obedience, submission, and brokenness. Thank You, Lord for Your son, Jesus the Christ who was obedient even unto the cross. In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns