Read: Matthew 2:13-23
Out of Egypt I called my Son. (v. 15 NIV)
I know believers in Jesus whom God has consistently guided in major decisions through sermons. Others have been led especially by key friends, including spouses. Still others have frequently heard God’s voice in the remarkable juxtaposition of circumstances, in dreams, or in their daily Bible reading. Open and closed doors, both where least expected, have often guided me. At key points in my life, the doors for jobs I thought were opening slammed shut even as unexpected ones blew wide open.
The Bible has different kinds of prophecy. Sometimes a straightforward prediction is fulfilled. Often though, God just works through patterns in history. When Matthew declares that young Jesus’s departure to and return from Egypt fulfilled Hosea 11:1, he does not even quote a Scripture with a future-tense verb. In this passage, Hosea is clearly talking about Israel’s escape from Egypt in the exodus (vv. 1-2), not directly offering prophecy about the Messiah. But what were the odds that God would establish his new covenant by bringing his Messiah out of Egypt, when he was born in Israel in order to save Israel? The same God was working supernaturally in both events, and we are supposed to notice the “fulfillment.”
How has God worked in your life? Of course, nothing requires him to be predictable! Still, as you look back, do you see any patterns? If you do, watch for them to recur. This may be part of God’s special love language for you.
As you pray, ask God to show you any special ways he likes to use to talk with you.
Craig L. Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including a recently revised and expanded commentary on Matthew. He teaches regularly in churches, including his home church of Centennial Covenant in Littleton, CO. He and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren.
