GPS Angel
Jeannie Yates
Have you ever had difficulty communicating directions? Or maybe, you have been the one on the receiving end of some poor directions, especially in the early days of GPS devices! All too many times, I remember hearing a kind British voice say, “Turn around when possible; you are going the wrong way!”
I often think of angels as messengers that bring good news, but in Matthew chapter 2, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to deliver important directions. These directions were clear and concise saying, “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” (Matthew 2:13). Just three easy steps: get everyone up, flee to Egypt, and stay there. Although I am pretty sure that it was anything but easy.
If only I would respond more like Joseph responded to the angel and follow directions right away. Joseph did not even hesitate. In Matthew 2:14, it says, “He rose and took the child and his mother by night.” He left while it was still night. Joseph could have made excuses. Maybe the donkey needed more sleep or he had not yet had his morning coffee; but instead, he heard the message from the Lord and he obeyed. You might be thinking, “Of course he obeyed right away; an amazing, celestial being appeared to him with a message directly from God!” I cannot tell you how many times I have asked God to just spell it out for me and give me step-by-step “GPS directions” for life. I too easily forget about the clear and concise directions that God has given to me, given to us: His Word. The Psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
What hinders us from following God’s directions? Are we waiting for a flashing sign or maybe even an angel to come and tell us what to do? Jesus, the only Son of God, came in human form, dwelt among us, and lived out an example of how we should live. What a gift we have to not only have His Word but also the Holy Spirit. We were not left in the dark. In John 16:13, Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” We have not only been given a map, but God also gave us a guide. Now the choice is ours. As you think about the directions that the angel gave Joseph, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the truth through His Word. Are you listening for His voice? Are you willing to follow?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Jeannie Yates
Have you ever had difficulty communicating directions? Or maybe, you have been the one on the receiving end of some poor directions, especially in the early days of GPS devices! All too many times, I remember hearing a kind British voice say, “Turn around when possible; you are going the wrong way!”
I often think of angels as messengers that bring good news, but in Matthew chapter 2, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to deliver important directions. These directions were clear and concise saying, “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” (Matthew 2:13). Just three easy steps: get everyone up, flee to Egypt, and stay there. Although I am pretty sure that it was anything but easy.
If only I would respond more like Joseph responded to the angel and follow directions right away. Joseph did not even hesitate. In Matthew 2:14, it says, “He rose and took the child and his mother by night.” He left while it was still night. Joseph could have made excuses. Maybe the donkey needed more sleep or he had not yet had his morning coffee; but instead, he heard the message from the Lord and he obeyed. You might be thinking, “Of course he obeyed right away; an amazing, celestial being appeared to him with a message directly from God!” I cannot tell you how many times I have asked God to just spell it out for me and give me step-by-step “GPS directions” for life. I too easily forget about the clear and concise directions that God has given to me, given to us: His Word. The Psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
What hinders us from following God’s directions? Are we waiting for a flashing sign or maybe even an angel to come and tell us what to do? Jesus, the only Son of God, came in human form, dwelt among us, and lived out an example of how we should live. What a gift we have to not only have His Word but also the Holy Spirit. We were not left in the dark. In John 16:13, Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” We have not only been given a map, but God also gave us a guide. Now the choice is ours. As you think about the directions that the angel gave Joseph, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the truth through His Word. Are you listening for His voice? Are you willing to follow?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
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