Matthew 2:19-23 The Dream

(NIV)
The Return to Nazareth19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead."
21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 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.
Just a thought...
God revealed his guidance to Joseph in dreams, through angels. Joseph still had to discern God's meaning. He had to chose to follow God. Like us he probably would have liked God's will to be a tad more direct. We forget that Joseph and Mary were living a mystery in a time that was at times frightening and bewildering. Like us they had little advice, and training to prepare them for what lay ahead of them.They had to rely on God each day for his direction.It has always fascinated me that Joseph and Mary would have been faced with the same kind of child rearing problems that most of us face. Except they were raising God's child. They had to rely on God. If we wait on God, if we study His word, if we advance in our spiritual life, then God will guide us according to His plan. We need to be like Mary and Joseph and rely fully on God!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Its comforting to see your protection of Joseph and his family. I am thankful that there is never a place or time that you aren't with us. Please inspire me to remember your presence in my life. Help and guide me each day as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.