SOAP for November 19: Matthew 1-4

Until

Scripture: Matthew 2: 13 ¶ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Observation: Joseph was told to go and told to stay until he was specifically told to return, which happens in verse 20. It was not up to Joseph when to return, nor up to his interpretation of the circumstances, but God’s clear word of direction.

Application: Stay there until I tell you… It is tempting to let trouble, or lack of success, or simply the desire for change set my times, but Joseph was sent to a location and told to stay “until.” When I have been given specific directions, I should stay “until.” If I went somewhere just to check it out, then I could probably leave for the same reason. But, if the Lord sent me, I have to stay!

Prayer: Lord, my commitment is to remain faithful where You have placed me until I am certain that You are directing me otherwise. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!