Unexpected interruptions! Don’t you just hate it when you have a plan and then unbeknownst to you God has a different plan. Mary and Joseph had finally settled into life with their small family when in the night an angel again interrupted Joseph’s dream and it set into motion a quick departure to Egypt. What followed must have broken Mary and Joseph’s heart as they heard reports of so many innocent lives taken because the king was looking for their child. In some ways it must have been comforting too to see how God had again taken care of them and provided a way of escape. Otherwise Jesus would have been one of the slain.

The lesson I take from this passage is to be sensitive to God’s leading. Joseph had learned to listen and respond to God’s leading. It is the same with us. If we listen to His guide we will move in step with Him and find ourselves protected and provided. We may still go through difficult things. I am sure the trip to Egypt was taxing especially for a young family, but it was lifesaving. Is God leading you to do something uncomfortable or even that doesn’t make sense? Listen to His voice and go where He sends.