TOPIC: Divine Intervention
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2.13‐23
Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 December 2022 MESSAGE
After the visit of the Magi, observe how God intervenes to ensure Jesus’ protection from the evil intents of King Herod (v.13). We again witness the faithful obedience of Joseph (v.14).
Consequently, the prophecy from Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled. It is always good to obey the Lord’s instructions to be safe from harm and protected from the wickedness of our enemies. God leads His children even when they do not see the dangers ahead. Having realised that he has been outwitted, Herod unleashes his fury on innocent children (v.16; cf. Jeremiah 31:15).
How wicked and power drunk people can be! This mass murder of baby boys by Herod (2:16‐18) parallels the murder of baby boys by Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15‐22). Both Moses and Jesus escape the murderous plans of their respective rulers. Jesus is safe in Egypt until the death of the wicked king and the Saviour’s family will come back to Nazareth to fulfil another prophecy in Judges 13:5.
Note how Joseph’s faith and obedience contribute to the unfolding plan of God for the salvation of mankind (v.23).
Practice/Word Application
What next? We witness Joseph’s unwavering obedience to the voice of God four times. It demands total submission to God’s Word to be so obedient.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for grace to be attentive to God’s word and promptly obey it.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Luke 1:30
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 24; Revelation 10‐12.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN
PRAYER FOCUS
VISION OF CHRIST
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.
1 Chronicles 16:11
THANK GOD FOR:
☀ Giving us the vision of Christ.
☀ Having wonderful plans for our lives.
PRAY FOR:
☛ Daily revelation of Christ and all He wants us to do and be.
☛ The Spirit of Christ to continue to be among us as He speaks to us and guides us in all we do.
☛ Revelation of the secret things of God to His servants in SU.
PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ Fake visions and teachings that are contrary to what God has in mind for us.
⚠ Doing things out of fear and not faith in Christ Jesus.
ALSO, READ; RCCG Open Heaven 27 December 2022 – Divine Love (3)
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 December 2022. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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