19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, 20 “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

21 So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, 23 and came and settled in a city called Nazareth. This happened so that what was spoken through the prophets would be fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 2:19-23 (NASB)

Go home

Continuing the story from two days ago’s flight to Egypt, Herod has died and it’s time to go back to the promised land. The angel came to Joseph in Egypt to tell him it’s time to take the family back. God confirmed to him that He is not just a God of the area of Judea but He also is in Egypt. And the whole world, nay over all creation.

Proper fear

Joseph again shows immediate obedience and leaves right away for Israel. But he feared when he arrived since Herod’s son was reigning. The angel of the Lord had already told him to go back so why did he fear? Was that wrong?

It seems he expressed a natural fear related to caring for his family. The dream confirms that it is not safe in Israel so Joseph passes Jerusalem and heads north to Nazareth, Mary’s hometown (Luke 1:26-27). “In God’s plan, Jesus came from a small, insignificant place that, if it had any reputation, it was a bad one. This is where Jesus grew up and matured into adulthood.” (enduringword.com)

Prophecy

We’re finishing up the early days of Jesus and the prophecy references from the OT about His advent. But Matthew gives us one final prophecy fulfillment. Jesus, the Messiah, would be a Nazarene, i.e., from Nazareth. This is where Joseph decided to settle. I am sure that the Spirit of God put this notion in him to move to Nazarath. For more, check out this link.

RЯeflection

• What I see in this account is that God used Joseph’s natural fear for the protection of his family to accomplish His will…to fulfill prophecy. There are times that God will use our natural instincts to direct our steps. But the foundation needs to built upon Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”