Yes, Domine. My Bags Are Packed.

When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

In Joseph's story, we see that his experience of the Divine occurred by means of prophetic dreams. The dreams, in which an angel spoke to Joseph, served several functions:

Encouragement and Explanation (Matthew 1) - Joseph was reassured concerning Mary's miraculous pregnancy, and was told to move forward in their marriage relationship without fear.

Escape and Establishment (Matthew 2) - Joseph was warned to leave town. In doing so he avoided encountering Herod's wrath, and was able to safely resettle his family twice: first in Egypt, then in Nazareth.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam noted that Joseph obeyed the angelic messages without question and without delay. Joseph's response is a refreshing rebuttal to the norms of today, in which men choose to resist the promptings of God. We would do well to remember that God still sends messages through angels, and His angels still speak prophetically on His behalf. When we have received a clear word from the Lord, we ought respond to His word without needing to consult committees or call for board meetings.

"To the angel of Bronx Bethany, write: I know your deeds. I know your heart. I send My word. I give you warning. Obey, and overcome!"

Do not put out the Spirit's fire. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. (First Thessalonians 5:19-20)