The Angel of Safety 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-23.

  Joseph again received an intercessory message from the Lord of Hosts. A dream was given to him to take the child Jesus, His mother and flee into Egypt for safety. The intercession was quite clear that Herod would take the child's life. Also, they needed to stay in Egypt until God gave them the next word of intercession and direction.
  At first thought going back to Egypt might seem exactly opposite of what they might desire to do. The flight to Egypt was not especially unusual for a Hebrew family. Throughout the history of Israel, during times of their many persecutions, the Hebrew people have sought refuge in Egypt. In all the major cities of Egypt there would have been communities of Jews. So Joseph, Mary and Jesus would probably have had no problem finding some type of adequate shelter of safety among their people.
  Then there is the important matter about the prophetic fulfillment of scripture. Matthew again ties the New Covenant with the Old Testament scriptures using Hosea 11:1. The prophet Hosea was referring to the act of God delivering the nation of Israel from the bondage of slavery under Egyptian tyranny. Matthew presents the messianic fulfillment, that is the work of the Messiah Jesus, for all that saw the prophetic fulfillment then and who see it now in our day. The power of scripture is that it speaks to the past, the present, and the future about our Messiah-King.

Discussion:

1. After reading Matthew 2:13-23 give some examples of the Lord interceding in your life with an angel who brought safety.

2. What role does Joseph take in following through with the direction given him?

3. What role do you take on as you follow through with what the Lord has shown and given you? In your family? In your church? At your work?

4. Would you go back to Egypt? Are we forced to go back? Is it helpful to go back to a place we have come from?

5. Here are some scriptural visitations; Acts 8:26-40, Acts 10:1-8, Acts 12:1-19, Acts 22:1-21, Acts 23:10,11. If you have time read and discuss their focus and change of circumstances that came about in each case.

6. There are many examples of scripture that speak to the past, the present and the future. Here are two; Hosea 2:14-23, Amos 9:11-15.

Discovery Section

  In our daily discovery of who this King Jesus is, we are given every opportunity to walk in an active, vibrant relationship, where the Lord constantly intercedes for us. So many times we are not even aware of His protection and guidance. But, every moment of every day, He is faithful and diligent to lead us in the path that is the very best for our lives. As we act in obedience and faithfulness we see the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The key is obedience.
  If Joseph was not obedient, how would that have affected us? Because of King Saul's lack of obedience all of the nations suffered. Not just Israel. In the role that God has given us, let us rely on the Holy One for guidance.