Matthew 2:19-23: a reflection

19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.” 21He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee, 23and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he will be called a Nazarene.

After the danger has passed, God brings the child Jesus and his family back from Egypt, guiding Joseph step by step. An angel appears in a dream telling him that those who sought the child's life are dead, and to return to Israel. Joseph obeys; but hearing that a dangerous ruler now reigns in Judea, he is afraid to settle there, and being warned again in a dream, he withdraws to Galilee and makes his home in Nazareth. At each turn, God guides, and Joseph follows.

Notice how God's guidance comes: step by step, one instruction at a time. God did not lay out the whole plan for Joseph at once; he guided him through one dream, then another, directing him first to return, then, when Joseph was afraid, to turn aside to Galilee. And Joseph followed each direction as it came, trusting God to guide the next step. God led him through his fears and uncertainties, one step at a time, to the place he was meant to be.

That is often how God guides us too: not by showing us the whole way at once, but step by step, directing us one stage at a time, sometimes through our very fears and uncertainties. We may wish to see the whole road ahead, but God gives us the next step and asks us to trust him for the rest. Follow God's guidance as it comes, one step at a time, as Joseph did. Do not be paralyzed because you cannot see the whole way; take the next step God shows you, trust him to direct the one after, and let him lead you, even through your fears, to where you are meant to be. The God who guided Joseph step by step will guide you too.

Lord, you brought Jesus and his family safely back from Egypt, guiding Joseph step by step through repeated dreams and warnings, directing him first to return, then, when he was afraid, to turn aside to Galilee; and Joseph followed each direction as it came. Thank you that this is often how you guide me too: not by showing me the whole way at once, but step by step, one stage at a time, sometimes through my very fears and uncertainties. I may wish to see the whole road ahead, but you give me the next step and ask me to trust you for the rest. Help me follow your guidance as it comes, one step at a time, as Joseph did. Keep me from being paralyzed because I cannot see the whole way. Help me take the next step you show me, trust you to direct the one after, and let you lead me, even through my fears, to where I am meant to be.