Do we allow God to work His plans in our lives? Joseph did. How do we hear from God? He has a plan for us, are we able to trust Him?

1. GOD’S PLANS….
1st Sunday after Christmas
29th December 2019

2. In the past…
What questions did we ask then?

3. Today…
1.A diluted faith?
2.Pride?
3.Bible Illiteracy?
4.Closed minds?
5.Which way do we
go?
6. Lukewarm?
7. Lack of honesty?
8. Bad publicity?
9. Back to basics?
10.Are we willing to
serve?

4. Today…
What does God’s Word have to say to us today?

5. Matthew 2: 13-23 (summary)
• Angel appeared to Joseph in dream
instructing to flee to Egypt – remain
until informed – Herod is looking to
destroy the child
Joseph got up – took the child and his
mother by night – went to Egypt –
remained until Herod’s death
Fulfil what had been spoken by the
Lord through the prophet - "Out of
Egypt I have called my son."
Herod – tricked by the wise men –
infuriated – sent and killed – children in
and around Bethlehem – two years old
or under – according to time – learned
from the wise men.

6. Matthew 2: 13-23 (summary)
• Fulfilled – prophet Jeremiah:
"A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and
loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her
children; she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more."
Herod died – angel appeared in dream to
Joseph in Egypt – instructed to go Israel –
threat is gone
•
Joseph got up – took the child and his
mother – went to Israel - heard Archelaus
ruling over Judea in place of father Herod –
afraid – warned in dream – went to Galilee
•
Made his home in a town called Nazareth –
fulfilling what prophets spoke: "He will be
called a Nazorean."

7. Context…

8. Key points…
1. Jesus: young and helpless – God orchestrates circumstances
2. Life: balance - life’s challenges >> God’s power
Part 1: Fleeing danger and death
• Hosea 11:1 spoke of Israel, but Matthew quoted to refer to Jesus
• Jesus is seen to be significant, like the people of Israel
Part 2: Slaughter!
• Egypt – Remember Moses. Pharaoh and now Herod are the cruel ones
• Cruelty still took place
Part 3: Back home, but now in Nazareth of Galilee… small and quiet place
• Matthew paints a prophetic path for Jesus – God’s plan gets done.
• God’s message moves on.

9. Travel Journal…

10. Main Message?

11. Your Message?
At year end, reflect, what has God
done for you thus far?
What plan does he have for you in
the coming year?
Are we going to obey?

12. How do we do that?…