God's Word
is sure
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:19-23
Matthew ends this account that explains how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus ended up living in Nazareth by telling us that this was a fulfillment of Scripture. It is interesting to note that nothing preceding that commentary indicates that Joseph was making any of his decisions based on a desire or intention of fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. He went to Nazareth because he was afraid to return to Judea. After all, the son of Herod, Archelaus, was ruling there.
His concern was confirmed as valid in a dream. He took his family to the district of Galilee and settled in Nazareth. And this fulfilled the prophetic word of God.
All of these natural events in the course of history – the death of Herod, the return from Egypt, the concern for family safety, the wise decision to settle in Galilee – were being guided by the omniscient and omnipotent hand of God. God’s timing was being carried out through the timing of human history. God’s promises were being accomplished in and through the fears and decisions and politics of men.
Nothing has changed. Whatever you see around you in this world, whatever is happening in the big picture world of politics and governments, and whatever is happening in the small-scale decisions of everyday folks, the hand of God is guiding and governing and leading all things to the end to which He has determined. His word – His promises and His prophecies – are coming to pass. His word is sure. Count on it.
