Divine Provision and Protection, Matthew 2:13-15

The Christmas story is filled with miraculous events, including the way God orchestrated Jesus’ birth, the people He brought to honor the newborn King, and the divine provision for His protection. This story not only speaks of God’s sovereignty in guiding the events of Jesus’ early life but also reveals His enduring care for His Son and His people. As we reflect on the birth of Christ, we see a powerful parallel in history where God’s hand was at work, protecting His chosen one, much like He did for Jesus.

Jesus’ Birth and Escape to Egypt

When Jesus was born, God didn’t leave Him defenseless. The shepherds and the wise men each played significant roles in revealing Jesus’ kingship and in providing for Him and His family in critical moments. Matthew 2:1-12 tells us of the wise men (Magi) who came from the east to honor Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts, especially the gold, would soon serve as God’s provision for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus during their escape to Egypt.

King Herod, upon learning of Jesus’ birth, sought to destroy the child, fearing for his own reign. But God, in His infinite wisdom, intervened. In Matthew 2:13-15, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said:

“Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Joseph, obedient to God’s command, took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. It was there that they found safety until the threat passed. The gifts from the Magi likely sustained the family during their time as refugees. This was not an accident; it was divine providence, God’s meticulous care over His Son, ensuring that Jesus would survive to fulfill His mission as the Savior of the world.

A Parallel in History: The Escape of Moses

The story of Jesus’ birth and His escape to Egypt closely mirrors the story of Moses, another key figure in God’s redemptive plan. Moses, like Jesus, was born during a time when a ruler sought to kill the male children. Pharaoh, in fear of the growing Hebrew population, ordered the death of all male infants, as recorded in Exodus 1:22:

“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’”

Moses’ mother, in an act of faith, placed her son in a basket and set him adrift in the Nile River. God’s hand guided that basket to Pharaoh’s daughter, who found the child and raised him in the royal household, unknowingly providing for the one who would eventually lead the Israelites out of slavery.

Just as God provided for Moses through Pharaoh’s household, God provided for Jesus through the gifts of the Magi. Both were protected as children from rulers who sought their lives, and both were destined to play significant roles in the salvation of God’s people—Moses as the deliverer of Israel from Egypt, and Jesus as the Savior of the world from sin and death.

God’s Provision for the Journey

In both stories, we see God’s providence at work, not only in protecting His chosen ones but also in providing for their journeys. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the Magi were not just symbolic gifts; they were practical resources for a family that would soon be on the move. Similarly, Moses’ rescue from the Nile and his upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace provided him with the education, resources, and protection needed for the task God had set before him.

In Philippians 4:19, the apostle Paul reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Just as God provided for Moses and for Jesus, He continues to provide for us today. Even in the midst of trials and uncertainty, God sees our needs and makes a way.

Divine Protection and Obedience

God’s protection in both the stories of Moses and Jesus is closely linked with obedience. Joseph obeyed the angel’s command to flee to Egypt without hesitation, trusting God’s plan even though it meant uprooting his family in the middle of the night. Moses’ mother trusted God as she placed her son in the Nile, not knowing what would happen but believing in God’s protection. Both acts of obedience led to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

In Psalm 91:1-2, we are reminded of God’s promise of protection for those who trust in Him:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

Just as Joseph trusted in God’s protection for his family, and Moses’ mother trusted God with her son, we are called to trust God in our own lives, even when the path is uncertain or dangerous. God is our refuge and fortress, and He will guide us through whatever trials we face.

A Call to Trust in God’s Providence

The stories of Jesus and Moses remind us of God’s faithfulness, protection, and provision. He orchestrates events in ways we cannot fully understand but can trust completely. Just as He brought people to honor Jesus and provided for His escape to Egypt, He is actively working in our lives, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled.

This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us remember that the same God who protected and provided for Jesus, and who guided Moses through impossible circumstances, is the God who watches over us. We may not always see how He is working, but we can trust that He is. His plans are perfect, and His provision is certain.

Lord, we thank You for Your provision and protection throughout history, as shown in the lives of Moses and Jesus. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You see our needs and care for us in every situation. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, may we be reminded of Your faithfulness and guided by Your Spirit to walk in obedience, trusting You with every step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hazel S.