Matthew 2:12-15 "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son."
Many times in life, we are warned of God. Thayer’s Greek definitions interprets “warned of God” as meaning “to give divine command or admonition.” Sometimes that warning comes from the Scriptures. Other times, it may come as that still, small voice that whispers in our hearts to do (or not do) a thing, or, as in the case of these wise men, it may even come to us in a dream or vision.
God does not give us divine admonition without a cause. His divine admonition protects us. It furthers His holy, righteous will concerning His kingdom. Sometimes it may even turn us from what would seem to us the best path to take. It is good to listen when He instructs us to go some other way.
God never does anything by half measures. He warned the wise men to not return to Jerusalem to carry news to Herod. At the same time, He sent His messenger to Joseph and told him to abandon his home of the past two years since Jesus’s birth. He instructed His faithful servant, Joseph, to take the young child (Jesus) and His mother (Mary) and flee to Egypt.
God worked every aspect of the situation to keep His Son safe. Further, His instruction continued to bear out the truth God had given to His prophets hundreds of years before. Joseph took his family into Egypt by night when they would not easily be seen. God brought them safely to Egypt, and then He brought them safely out again according to His word.
Beloved of the Lord, I pray that we have the grace to listen when our God gives us a warning. It may change our plans entirely, and it might cause us to walk in the dark when we cannot see exactly where we are going or why. Let us trust Him to bring us on our journey. Even if the way seems dark to us, the light and dark are the same to Him (Psalms 139:12), and He will accomplish His purpose!