week one of advent
Background #5 – Out of Egypt I Called My Son.
When King Herod heard about the coming Messiah from the traveling wise men he was very worried because the Messiah could become King and cast him from his throne. He was very jealous to guard his position, power, and reputation. So an angel came to warn Joseph and Mary that they should travel to Egypt for safety. When Joseph and Mary return to Israel it casts our thoughts to the journey of God’s people out of slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel.
Matthew 2:13-15 (the quote in verse fifteen is from Hosea 11:1)
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Shedding some light...
The Lord cares for his people and his plan. We often struggle to believe in God on both counts. We doubt that he knows our struggles, and pain and we doubt that he has a plan for our life, much less for all of creation. But we see that not only is he aware of the thoughts and intentions of Herod, but he also has a specific plan for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to go to Egypt until it is safe to return.
Children’s Prayer
God, help us believe that you can take care of us. Help us believe that you know what is best for us. Help us stop worrying about what will happen today or tomorrow. And help us instead be at peace, trusting in you and your ability to care for us.
Adults’ Prayer
Almighty God, we confess that we often doubt your goodness and protection. Instead of relying on you knowing all things and being able to do whatever you want, we fill our lives with anxiety and stress trying to vainly provide our own protection and comfort. In this season help us to grow in our faith and knowledge of you, your story, and your plan.
Advent Singing: Once in Royal David’s City
Advent Devotional Guide Download
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Compilation and Text
Bruce Benedict
www.cardiphonia.org
Elliot Grudem
www.ctkraleigh.org
Design
Ladye Jane Vickers
www.littlewhitebungalow.com
Production
Amelia Reynolds
CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PO Box 10095 | Raleigh, NC 27605
919-546-0515 | www.ctkraleigh.org