God’s perfect timing

MATTHEW 2:13-15 | FIONA WATSON

‘When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”’

God’s plan of salvation began in Genesis chapter 3, unfolding throughout history and coming to fulfilment in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

The Old Testament is full of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, and one such is quoted in our verses today from Hosea‬ 11‬:1‬. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

It is a great comfort to us that our God knows the end from the beginning. Nations rise and fall, leaders come and go, but our God remains the same and His plans always come to fulfilment. 

We have the benefit of hindsight in seeing how this moonlight flit was anticipated by God the Father to protect His Son. Joseph responded in faith, obeying the message he received in a dream without hesitation. He was part of God’s master plan and fulfilled his role. 

Ephesians 2:10 says “[God] has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” 

We also have a part to play - God has plans for us. He has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to equip us. As Paul writes to the Galatians: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” We can keep in step by sticking close to Him - talking to Him, reading His Word, and being in community with those who love Him.

Father God, thank you, that your plans are never thwarted, for your wonderful plan of salvation and that you allow us to be your co-workers, fulfilling the plans you have for us. Help us by your Spirit to live lives of obedience that bring glory to your Name. Amen