Seeking Safety

The bestselling science fiction novel of all time, Frank Herbert’s Dune, recounts the story of Paul. His mother, Jessica, is preparing him to lead the fictional planet over which his family rules. Paul’s chief lesson is also his most succinct: “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.”

Few in the Bible could have benefited more from that lesson than King Herod. Earlier in this chapter, we learned that when Herod heard the news that the king of the Jews was born he “was troubled” (2:3). One might translate this to say that he was afraid. His fear killed his mind; but it also killed so many more. It led him to lash out irrationally, attempting to kill the Son of God. In his quest to do so, he killed countless innocent children.

In contrast to Herod stands Joseph. Whereas Herod lost his wits, Joseph kept his. Even when he received a second startling visitation from an angel, this one directing him to flee to Egypt with his family, Joseph did not panic. Rather, he did what had to be done, gathering Mary and Jesus and escaping “during the night” (v. 14), presumably, the night of his dream. Whereas Herod attempted to thwart God’s purposes, Joseph lived into them. Like his namesake from Genesis, Joseph went to Egypt and provided safety for his family (see Genesis 45). In the process, he fulfilled the words spoken through the prophet, which foretold that God would bring His Son, like the Israelites before him, out of Egypt (v. 15).

Until the Son’s kingdom comes in full, there will be losses we grieve, like Rachel weeping for her children (v. 18). But the power of God, which is made manifest in the faithfulness of those like Joseph, assures God’s final victory.

Pray with Us

Please pray today for Dr. Bryan O’Neal, VP and interim dean of the Undergraduate School. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide him in all decisions of training Moody students in the best way possible for ministry in today’s world.