When God Intervenes
Read the Text: Matthew 2
Memorize the Text: Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)
Consider the Text: Matthew 2:1-12
GPS has changed the way we navigate travel. For many years, travelers depended on foldable maps to journey to their destination. These maps would require the driver to study the route and develop a plan of action for the trip. The map detailed the path to the location but could not provide up to the minute information concerning the traffic situation between the starting and ending point. GPS adjusted that. Now, in real-time, drivers receive information concerning road closures, stopped traffic, and optional detour routes. The GPS voice intervenes and leads the traveler on a new path to reach the destination due to changing dynamics. In Matthew 2, we see that God intervenes amid the way of the wise men and the family of Jesus. It demonstrates how God reveals himself as one who intervenes on behalf of His own, for His purpose and His glory.
First, GOD INTERVENED TO PROVIDE AN ALTERATION. The wise men engaged King Herod on their journey to meet Jesus. This experience led to the agreed-upon plan for the men to return to Herod upon finding the child and sharing with him the location of Jesus. The wise men took Herod at his word and believed that he desired to honor the newborn King. But instead, Herod desired to carry out murder to preserve his power.
The Lord knew the desire of Herod and waited for the appropriate moment to intervene. Matthew 2:12 detailed that the wise men received a warning in a dream concerning the desires of Herod. This intervention led to the alteration in the preplanned return trip. We are informed that these men returned by a different route. Thus, God engaged them after they had engaged Jesus.
When we engage Jesus, our lives become altered. We no longer live for the self but live for Jesus. God intervenes in our life and warns us of the threat of the flesh, and reveals a new path for life. When God intervenes in our life, he seeks to bring alteration.
Second, GOD INTERVENED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION. God works in ways that do not always make sense to us. Matthew has shared how Joseph received the news about Mary and how God communicated the next steps of obedience at this point in the gospel. Now God will intervene in the story again and engage Joseph in a dream warning him about Herod’s plot and guiding him to protect the family.
The Lord intervened for protection. He led Joseph in a manner that allowed Jesus to be protected from the threat of Herod. Joseph did not need to understand the “why” question of the moment but needed to receive and respond faithfully to the intervention. God worked to protect the family and demonstrated His character as a protector King.
When we follow Jesus, we must journey with the trust that He is our protector. Even when we do not entirely understand the “why” question, God intervenes. God’s intervention is based on His love for us and His fulfillment of the promises of His character.
Third, GOD INTERVENED TO PROVIDE DIRECTION. After spending time in Egypt, God intervened in the life of Joseph and the family through another dream. This dream provided a direct command of leading them back to Israel and, ultimately, Nazareth. God’s directive led to the fulfillment of the previous prophecies found about the Messiah in the Old Testament. It gave Joseph the next steps he needed to take.
When God intervenes with direction, He provides us with what we need to know at the moment. Then, He offers us the opportunity to worship Him in obedience. God does not expect us to figure out the next steps in life but desires for us to wait on Him to provide the direction. God’s intervention for the next movement is never early or late but is always on time.
What GPS is guiding your life? Are you attempting to plan out a trip with maps that do not provide the needed real-time information? Are you trusting in the Lord to be the required GPS to navigate life’s journey? Matthew 2 provides the reminder that God is a God who intervenes in the life of His children to provide alteration, protection, and direction.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
