PREPARE FOR ATTACK
- Key Verse
- Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." (Matthew 2:13)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
God warns us of Satan's attacks and provides refuge to protect us.
Reflections
In Matthew 2:13 an angel appears to Joseph and warns him of the attack that Herod has planned. The angel tells Joseph that Herod will kill Jesus if they remain in Bethlehem, so he should take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. Egypt was a great refuge for Joseph and his family for a couple of reasons. First, Egypt was very accessible, for its border in those days was possibly only 75 miles from Bethlehem. Second, Herod (the attacker) had no authority in Egypt.In 1 Peter 5:8, God has warned me of Satan's plan to destroy me. It says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
This truth is very real to me as I write this devotional. I am sitting in a hotel room on a business trip. I am on the trip all alone with complete freedom to do whatever I want. Satan is currently waiting to destroy me. He is prowling around in the form of images that are accessible on the TV and Internet. Much like Joseph, I must flee from my attacker to a place of refuge. If I do not flee, I will be destroyed.
Jesus is my refuge and strength. He is always accessible, and Satan has no authority in the presence of Jesus Christ. I am completely aware ("of sober spirit") of the temptation that surrounds me in this hotel room, so I run to Jesus. While on this trip, it is imperative that I spend daily time in God's Word. I will not turn the TV on without a plan for what I will watch. There will be no "channel surfing" allowed. I will not open the Internet without a plan for the sites I will visit. I am on the alert.
We have been warned that we have an attacker. If we ignore the warnings, we will be destroyed. We must be alert. We must take refuge in God's Truth.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life do your currently see Satan "prowling"?2. What steps are you taking to "be on the alert" for Satan's attacks in these areas?
3. What are some unhealthy places of refuge to which you are currently fleeing (isolation, addiction, etc.)?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How did God continue to protect Jesus from King Herod?
2. Talk about the two ways Joseph trusts God by obeying what God told him to do. How has your family trusted God by being obedient to Him?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
Jennifer Williams
January 6, 2010 07:57 AM
I Peter 5:8 is my 8 yr old daughter's verse. Whenever she begins to lose the battle to her enemy, I remind her that the lion is near. I can't wait to share this with her after school.
David Penuel
January 6, 2010 08:10 AM
I give you +10 cool points for a great devotional! Thanks for explaining vital truth in a clear, applicable, and personal manner. Grateful for your ongoing "alertness" and the way it allows you to faithfully lead young men.
Will
January 6, 2010 08:14 AM
Jordan - great reminder that though Satan prowls like a lion through those like Herod, most often the battle is closer to home as we war with the flesh, desires, and habits. I've got 1 Peter 5:8 as my verse 'o the week. Be on the alert & flee to Jesus!
kyle kailger
January 6, 2010 08:17 AM
Jordan, Thrilled to know that a man with your awareness and diligence is leading our students. Blessed by the reminder that we can always run to a protected land where life is found in abundance.
Mark Bryans
January 6, 2010 08:38 AM
Jordan, Well done. I pray that my son gets a small group leader like you to shepherd him when his time comes.
jo tiller
January 6, 2010 09:21 AM
it is great instruction like this that facilitates all of our journey's at watermark...thanks
Lauren
January 6, 2010 10:35 AM
Great reminder today about where to take refuge. My community and prayer are my refuge today!
Mike Shelton
January 6, 2010 10:56 AM
Jordan, great devotional today! Thankful for the way you serve our students, and for your heart for the Lord!
Katie
January 6, 2010 08:07 PM
Excellent devotional Jordan! And I enjoyed your "about me" section too. Satan seems to successfully attack a lot of men on business trips. Way to thwart his dark plans!
cathleen mccown
January 7, 2010 07:04 AM
Jordan, My 13 year old told me I had to read the devotional from today. I am so glad she did. We both were amazed at the truth God gave you from this passage we have read a million times. It was so appropiate for her as she is in public school with alot competing for her attention. Thanks again!
Bart Johnston
January 7, 2010 08:55 AM
Jordan Isolation continues to put me at risk with the enemy...thanks for remindig me of the unlimited refuge we have living life with Christ. Have a blessed day!
Jay Burns
January 8, 2010 09:42 AM
greatly appreciate your application...it hits home to all of us and really brought the truths home