“Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”
– Matthew 2:22,23
When we read the story of Jesus’ birth, there’s a part we sometimes overlook because we fail to see its significance. However, in this crazy season, when many of us seem to be facing detour after detour, it’s an encouraging thing to understand. Though our Lord was born in Bethlehem so that prophecy would be fulfilled, his parents took Him and fled to Egypt because they feared evil King Herod, who was trying to kill Him. It was years before He returned to Israel, and when He did, He didn’t go back to the area in which He was born, because there was another wicked king reigning there by that time. Instead, His parents’ moved to a town called Nazareth, which was in the region of Galilee. Though it was probably only about 300 people strong, this was the place where it was traditionally thought — and expected — that the Messiah would come from. In fact, Matthew states in His Gospel that Jesus lived there in order that the words of the prophets would come to pass, and that He would be called a Nazarene. Although the journey to his city of upbringing was unconventional, the Lord used every twist and turn to get His Son to the place where He was supposed to be. And if that was true for Jesus, it’s just as true for you and me today. My friend, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, you may be feeling discouraged — like your existence is nothing but a series of detours. If that’s the case, be encouraged by the story of your Savior’s journey. Though His life was threatened and His family was forced to relocate to protect Him, His Heavenly Father had a greater plan, and He used each step along the way to move Him to where He truly belonged. Likewise, the Lord is using the stops and starts of this season to bring you closer to His heart and to carry you to where you need to be to fulfill your calling. Though you feel worn, He is faithful, and even now, you can trust Him to consistently unfold the beautiful story He’s already written on the pages of your soul. |
Prayer
Jesus, help me to hold fast and stand strong in the midst of life’s detours, knowing that you are faithful.
Reflection
How do you expect God to use this season to prepare you for an even greater calling?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I think that he is telling me to wait until it is safe before I resume my duties as lector
I don’t want to rush back into the ministry. Until I know that when I get either the Pfizer or Maderna vaccines and hopefully don’t suffer any bad reactions. It is best to stay home and away from people who could be contagious. My health needs to be protected.I will continue to practice social distancing and wearing a mask when being outdoors.May God protect all the congregation of Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church.Much love warm thoughts and many good wishes