Matthew 2:19-22 (ESV Strong's)
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.”
And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.
Subject: Sovereignty of God
In the early days of Jesus' life, Mary and Joseph had a lot of movement. Herod, this time, was not the one who was trying to kill Jesus ... It was His son, Archelaus. Rome often allowed despot leaders to rule regions of their land. These despots had limited reign, but also acted with reasonable autonomy. The leaders reigns in Ancient Rome were often tenuous at best. It was not abnormal for a leader to kill the offspring of his feared rival. The threat of a coup was normal. Once Archelaus became king, he too, would fear this "Jesus." Although he probably didn't have the same understanding as his father Herod, he did understand a threat of another ruler taking his spot. God used that fear of his to move Jesus to Nazareth, to fulfill, yet another prophecy. God used these fears from leaders to complete and compliment His plan for mankind. This must have been tough on baby Jesus and mother Mary. Yet, there was a reason. We need to realize that when we have struggles in life, sometimes God is moving us to where He wants us to be. We ought not struggle and kick against our circumstances. It is God moving us from one point to another and putting us where we need to be for His purpose and His glory. He did it for His Son, He will certainly do it for us.
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