Timely Obedience

(6/20/23)

(13) "After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. 'Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' (14) That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, (15) and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: 'I called my Son out of Egypt.'”

Matthew 2:13-15

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When the angel urgently warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, the sudden leave was likely inconvenient. Even then, we have no record of Joseph complaining about the unanticipated departure. Instead, Joseph displays an amazing example of trust and obedience. It is written that Joseph left for Egypt the very same night that he received the dream. Additionally, Joseph obediently carried out every instruction given by the angel. Not only did Joseph's timely obedience ensure the safety of himself and Mary, but it also ensured that God's plan to bring salvation to all people through Jesus would come to fruition. We should seek to imitate Joseph's example of timely obedience. Whenever God leads us to do something, we should not delay for the sake of the timing being more convenient for us. Instead, it's important to remember that our duty as servants of God is to faithfully obey all His commands. At the same time, we can trust that both God's timing and plans are perfect.

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God, please forgive me for when I delay in doing what You ask me to do. Please help me to follow Joseph's example in obeying You in a timely manner. And, help me to remember that both Your timing and plans are perfect. Please forgive me for my sins and help me to be a better servant for You.

In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.