When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:12
Happy New Year! A day of new beginnings, an unseen future that is full of potential and unlimited possibilities. And the good news is we don’t have to navigate it alone. One of the gifts of Salvation we have been given is an inner compass of Holy Spirit. He is, Who can and will lead and direct us through 2022 when we choose to listen and follow through with His directions. Today’s Scripture reminds us that the last wise thing they did in the Christmas Story was to listen to God when He told them not to go back to Herod and go home another way.
Think how different the outcome would have been if they would have not followed the direction in the dream. We can only imagine the many scenerios that could have taken place. And that is something we need to remember as we go through this year. When we mistake the leading of Holy Spirit or just plain not listen, God is always recalculating our journey, just like GPS. He also will use it to help develop and grow us spiritually. It’s a win/win outcome.
As men who were always in the presence of royalty and kings, to influence them and do their bidding, to not go back to King Herod was political suicide. Yet, because of what they learned from the Scriptures and found in the presence of Jesus they chose to follow the true King they had brought gifts to and just worshiped. Let us go into this new year with a heart full of the Grace of God so we too can live like true wise men; studying the scriptures, following their teachings so we can become more like Jesus, worship Him with all that is within us, and give Him our lives in sacrifice, because we are precious to Him and have died to this world and have given our hearts to Him. I like how the Song of Solomon 6:3a puts it, I am My Beloved’s and He is mine. When we remember that, there is no limit to what He can do through us and be an influence just like Him!
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