Three Directives From Matthew Two

The Holy Bible warns that perilous times shall come in the end of this age (2 Tim. 3:1-7). While many dangers in the natural realm are easily spotted, it is best to keep in mind we are spirit creatures that will continue for eternity, and priority should be given to guard against spiritual dangers. Devotionally looking at Matthew 2 we see three things we must be.

Away From Satan

Herod the Great ranks in my “top ten” of those who really reflect the ugly attributes of Satan. Among other things, he was devious (v.8), (from v.16) vengeful, murderous, full of anger and against Christ (v.3 and others).

The Magi are first mentioned as being warned about Herod. Verse 12 notes, “… they departed into their own country another way.” Many sermons have brought out the truth that when we truly come and surrender to Christ, we go in another way. Christ Himself is that Way (John 14:6).

Anyone claiming to be in Christ should live as He did (1 John 2:6). Such a one should be Holy Spirit led (Rom. 8:14). Satan not only moves upon us by temptations, but by thoughts that are contrary to the will of God. Peter meant well when he told Christ He must not die, but Christ rebuked Satan that inspired this thought that He deviate from the Father’s plan (Mt. 16:23).

Before committing to Christ, we belong to the kingdom of darkness, ruled by Satan himself. Upon surrendering to Christ, God rescues us and places us in the Kingdom of his dear Son (Col. 1:13-14).

Out From The World

Public domain image from author’s collection: Painting by M. Faust found in Charles Foster’s Bible Pictures, edited by author.

By the Holy Spirit Matthew notes the flight of the holy family into Egypt, which made it needful for them to eventually leave Egypt. This fulfilled Hosea 11:1, quoted in Matthew 2:15 as, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Devotionally Egypt in the written Word represents the world. One claiming to be Christ’s claims a new citizenship (Php. 3:20). Throughout His Word God indicates though we physically live here, those that truly know Him must not be like the world (2 Cor. 6:7). A good way to check to see if we are like the world is to honestly ask ourselves this question: Am I doing something Jesus Himself would not do?

Avoiding Compromise

We see one more defensive move in Matthew 2. Though Herod the Great had died, his relatives lived on. The entire Herod family was not the nicest bunch around.

Joseph got the OK from God to bring his family back to Israel, but with good reason he was wary of settling in Judaea. His caution was confirmed by a God given dream so to Nazareth they went.

Denying the kingdom of darkness and being Christlike is a must, but we must never compromise. We must determine never to be anything less than what God wants us to be.

If you are truly Christ’s disciple you will want to take these three steps. If you have not surrendered to Christ, I encourage you to do so. Give Him your all, and you can gain all that He has for you.