Matthew 2:19-23 & Luke 2:39

Reading 4

Matthew 2:19-23

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 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.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Luke 2:39

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Yesterday we focused on God’s faithfulness to protect and lead.  Today, as we read the next account from both Matthew and Luke, let's focus on the responsibility God places on those whom He calls and protects to then act in accordance to His purpose in faith.

My first semester in seminary was challenging.  Academically I lacked confidence and struggled greatly.  I had taken a job at UPS working the twilight shift.  In doing so I was hired just before peak season and met two other seminary students at that time.  We quickly became great friends and took turns driving to work each evening.  Our commute was around 30 minutes. 

One afternoon it was my week to drive us to work.  Amongst the crazy rush hour Louisville Kentucky traffic the conversation began regarding how each one of us had come to faith in Christ.  I was the third to share.  Both my friend’s accounts were fascinating to me.  They were similar in that both were older when coming to faith and had lived lives very contrary to how Christ would lead.  To be honest I felt my personal walk with Christ seemed dull as I listened to their accounts. Having grown up in church I came to faith in Christ at the age of 12.  Prior to that I had not gotten into much of any trouble.  After accepting Christ there was a deep inner peace I now always had however the exterior of my life did not change much.  I was now sitting in a truck at the age of 27 and it was my turn to share.

I recall describing my story much like I just wrote.  Both my friends listened as intently to me as I had to them.  Then my friend Matt spoke words to me that I will never forget.  Matt was older, he and his wife had just had their first child, and he had much more life experience than I.  He said it was amazing how much Jesus loved me.  Jesus had sought and called me to faith early in life and as a result had protected me from so many negatives he had experienced.  Then he said he was really encouraged with what God was going to do with me next.

I have though much about what my friend said that day.  I hope the path I am walking today is where God would have me.  I am thankful He has provided and protected me to this point.  Like Joseph and Mary my path of life has not always been exactly what I would have expected however God is teaching me this is a good thing.  He has a plan and a purpose for me and I am continually growing in this truth. By the way, both my friends went on to pastor to various degrees. God has continued to work in their lives however as of this writing I am the only one of the three who is currently Pastoring full time. In 2007, of the three, I would have never had guessed I would be the only one in full time ministry.  

As you consider my story in Christ I would encourage you to take some time and think about yours.  How has He called, sustained, and led you?  How have you responded as a result and what do the days look like on the current path you are on? Our text today reminds us of His faithfulness if we will seek Him and respond.