Young People's Group

The Lord’s Hand in Our Life

by Mitchell Tan
December 30, 2016

SEEING THE LORD’S HAND IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

The Lord’s hand in the life of Jesus was most evidential. From the day of His humble birth on this earth, God’s hand was already involved in His life every step of the way. After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 2:13). This was the second time that this had happened. During the first appearance, the angel encouraged Joseph to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). This time, he was leading Joseph and his family to a safe place.

1. THE LORD’S HAND IN LEADING JOSEPH AND FAMILY

“Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word …”
Matthew 2:13

The emphasis of this verse was on the idea of arising, taking Jesus and Mary and fleeing to Egypt. There was a tremendous sense of urgency for Joseph to do this. He was commanded by the angel to be in Egypt until the time he would appear to them again. There was the Lord’s special hand of leading Joseph, Jesus and Mary.

2. THE LORD’S HAND IN PROTECTING JOSEPH AND FAMILY

“… ‘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 for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod …”
Matthew 2:13-15

The Lord’s hand can also be seen in how He kept Joseph and Mary and especially the Child Jesus. The angel had revealed that Herod was going to try to destroy Jesus. He would give the command that all babies two years and below were to be killed. The Lord God had led Joseph and family to leave immediately so that they would be protected. By God’s grace, Jesus was able to outlive King Herod.

3. THE LORD’S HAND BEING INTERPRETED IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURES

“… That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”
Matthew 2:15

Matthew, the writer of the gospel, was able to see the Lord’s hand of protection in the life of Jesus. He was able to interpret Joseph and family going to Egypt and Jesus’ future coming out of it as a fulfilment of Scripture. This fulfilment is not a direct fulfilment of prophecy but a fulfilment in terms of parallel ideas. Matthew had quoted from the text of Hosea 11:1. This prophecy was about the Lord God calling Israel His son out of Egypt. As God had done this for Israel His son, He would also do it for Jesus His Son. Matthew interpreted events in the light of Scriptures.

SEEING THE LORD’S HAND IN OUR LIFE AS WE REVIEW THE YEAR

As we come to the end of the year, can we also see the Lord’s hand in our life? It is good to take time to reflect and trace His hand in our life this year. Let’s consider these two questions:

1. Has the Lord’s hand led you this year?

2. Has the Lord’s hand protected you?

If we take the time to reflect on the year, we would be able to speak of the Lord leading us and protecting us. Let’s seek to give thanks and rejoice in His gracious hand in our life.

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