“I Called My Son Out of Egypt” 

From an Africa Study Bible touch point:

God called his son, Israel, out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1). When he wrote these words, Hosea was thinking of the Exodus, when Moses led the nation of Israel out of slavery. But 750 years later, Matthew knew that God was also speaking through Hosea about Jesus. 

Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15). God crafted the situation so that this aspect of Jesus’ life mirrored the history of Israel. The nation of Israel—the chosen people of God—began its national history living in Egypt. Jesus, the Son of God, did so as well. He spent up to a year of his life in Egypt. Did Jesus learn to talk and walk in Africa (Hosea 11:3)? We cannot answer these questions. What we are sure of is that an African nation kept Jesus safe in his childhood. Africa had provided shelter to God’s people when they were in trouble before in the Bible. Abraham, Jacob, and Jacob’s children all fled to Egypt during famines (Genesis 12:10, 42:1-2). 

Today, Africa is rapidly becoming a Christian continent, while Europe and America sometimes describe themselves as being in the post-Christian era. Africa is sending missionaries to those continents, reversing the trend of past generations. History may be repeating itself with Christianity taking refuge in Africa. We should give thanks for this, and also take care that we take seriously the responsibility of preserving the faith.

Today: 

Think of a specific church in Africa outside of your own country. It could be one that you have connections to, want to learn more about, or know is experiencing a time of hardship or persecution. Pray that this congregation will treasure the truth, transform their society, and spread the good news.