Divine Guidance

Bible Reading:  Matthew 2:13-23

When Moses commissioned Joshua, he told him, “… the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).  Moses remembered how the Lord had led them in the wilderness all the forty years.  God guided them by going before them in a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire.  We all need God’s guidance in our lives, and God is willing to guide us.  Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.”  

In the Bible portion we read today, we see God’s guidance in the life of Joseph regarding baby Jesus.   “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt…” The command was urgent and came right when the wise men had departed.  Joseph’s rapid departure, leaving that very night of the dream and complete obedience, is impressive.  Again, God directed Joseph through a dream to return to Judea after the death of Herod the Great.  Again, Joseph is warned and directed to settle in the small, insignificant village of Nazareth!  Two things stand out from this incident.  God is willing to guide us, but to enjoy the benefit of divine guidance, we have to obey!  They are like the two sides of a coin!  God knows the end from the beginning.  God knew what Herod would do later.   If Joseph had not obeyed, he would not have benefitted from the divine guidance!  In Gen 31:3, another incident is recorded for our edification.  The LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”  So Jacob left Laban.   Until Jacob met Esau, Jacob was afraid of Esau, and that fear made him obey God!   After meeting Esau, Jacob became bolder.  Jacob did not return to his father’s land and his family but went and dwelt in Shechem.  There, Dinah was violated, and his two sons became murderers.  Jacob lost the blessing of divine guidance due to his disobedience!  There is no benefit from divine guidance without obedience.

My friend,  God is ready to guide us; God is able to guide us!  The question is whether we are prepared to obey the Lord.  The Lord has promised to instruct and teach us how we should go.  But we should be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, and must be harnessed with bit and bridle …” (Ps 32:8,9)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my faith so I can fully obey You in everything, trusting in your goodness.  Amen.

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