Devotion for Friday, February 9, 2024

“He stayed there until the death of Herod; this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called My Son” (Matthew 2:15).

In fulfilling prophecy, the Lord does many things at once.  There are things He has done that we do not yet know.  Herod needed to be prevented from killing the Messiah.  He thought he could stop the Lord.  No one can thwart the plans of the Lord.  Scripture would be fulfilled;  and out of Egypt, the Lord would come.  Born in Bethlehem, out of Egypt, and called a Nazarene.  Who but the Lord can work through so many twists and turns?

Life is not simple nor was the life of the Lord.  The Lord called His Son out of Egypt.  The Lord calls us out of the bondage of sin, death, and meaningless existence to wander the wilderness of this life, preparing to come into the promised rest of eternity.  The pattern has been set before us and we have been called by grace to live in faith and follow the Lord all the days of our life.

Father in Heaven, guide me in the goodness of the grace hard-won by Jesus so that I may  come into Your presence.  Open me up to live faithfully in the presence of Your Holy Spirit so that like Joseph and Mary, I can walk steadfastly with You .  Lead me in all goodness according to Your will so that I may, day by day, be conformed to the image of Your Son and become Your child.  Amen.