Matthew 2:14,15
‘So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod; this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”’
Trying to estimate time, this maybe a few months after the angel told him that he should marry Mary. So, he is comfortable with the marriage. He also knows His role as father to the messiah. A father is a guide and a protector.
Verse 18 has the angel appearing to Joseph a second time within a few months. This has to be clear. It can’t be a hunch. So, the angel clearly tells him of the threat and what to do.
He takes his job as protector seriously. He doesn’t talk it over with Mary. He doesn’t even wait until the light of day. He rises in the dark packs what they can and leaves before the sun rises. That is amazing obedience. Instant obedience.
He is told to flee to Egypt. That’s quite a distance. I would think planning would be necessary. We aren’t told how imminent the threat was. For all Joseph knew, it could have been later that day. He decides it’s more important to leave than to plan.
This is putting trust in God. Isaiah 58:11 says, “The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” It reminds me of Abraham and Isaac. The son asked the father, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham said, “God will provide the lamb for the sacrifice.” This is where the name Jehovah Jirah came from. It means provider. It’s part of His character. God would provide food, direction, protection and a place to stay. They would be there for years, so Joseph would need a job.
God guides us as well. Sometimes the warnings are clear and we should obey instantly. Other times they might be hunches that we are to pray about. “God, is this You?” Some are long term hunches that would take time.
Some of God’s warnings have to do with avoiding temptation. Obey instantly. James 1:14 says, “But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.” Lured is used similar to using a lure on a fish. When desire kicks in any sense of danger becomes secondary. We get lured away by our desires. God’s warning comes before that happens. If we don’t obey instantly, we follow into sin.
Sometimes our obedience needs to be quick, without regard to planning. Joseph got out of town before the sun rose. We’ve already addressed temptation. It needs to be resisted immediately, otherwise we are caught. I would assume it would depend on the circumstance. That being said, quick obedience is better.
Lord, thank You for Your warnings. Help us to obey instantly to the ones that are immediate. Help us to seek You for the ones that are not as clear. Help us to plan for the one that are in the distance.