Devotional: God's Protective Warnings

Matthew 2:12-15

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke are the only two gospels that record a birth narrative of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke focuses on the announcement that the Messiah has been born. In Matthew, the writer sets the stage for Jesus’ conflict with the rulers of the Jews, found throughout the gospel, because of their interpretations of the Law which was contrary to God’s intent.

In the passage for today, the magi come to Jerusalem seeking the one born king of the Jews. Herod wants to kill the baby because he knows that he has no birthright to be king. He instructs the magi to bring him word where the find him so that he can worship this newborn king also. He really intends to kill the baby.

God moves to protect the baby Jesus He warns the magi through dreams to return home by a different route so that they do not come in contact with the king. Next, God warns Joseph to take his wife and child to Egypt until Herod is dead (vv.19-20). How often does God protect us by warning us to avoid certain situations? A conversation with a friend may warn us that we are about to do the wrong thing. The book of Proverbs and other wisdom literature has many warnings. It instructs us to make wise decisions. Proverbs gives us many examples of what is the right thing to do as well as what is the wrong thing to do in a given situation. Jesus taught His disciples, and by extension, He teaches us how to make wise decisions. He warns us and exhorts us to build our life upon His teachings, a rock solid foundation for life (Matt. 7:24-27).