God With UsShembull

Gospel according to Matthew

GOD IS WITH US TO LEAD US

The story of the events leading up to and following Jesus’ birth, according to the Apostle Matthew, is like a fast paced novella. We see a genealogical account to show us that his earthly lineage is authentic and then it jumps right into his father, Joseph, and his  misgivings about marrying his mother who was carrying Him in her womb. 

Every bit of the story that follows has a divine nudge, so to speak, in leading people in the way they should go so as to be in the centre of God’s will. Joseph is directed by an angel in a dream to go ahead and marry Mary. The Magi, wise men from the East, were led by a star to where Jesus was born. These same men were then warned in a dream not to go back to Herod as he had harmful intentions for this child. Joseph is again directed in a dream to flee Bethlehem and dwell in Egypt as Herod unleashes his fury in the senseless massacre of little boys. Joseph is again instructed through a dream to move back to Judea when things settle down and so the family settles down in Nazareth. 

We see here a God who kept leading people who were open and obedient so that His perfect plans were accomplished in and through them. God being with us is not a haphazard, coincidental happening but a very rational and intentional decision on God’s part. He chooses to reside in us and live with us when we accept him as the Lord and Saviour of our lives. Our decision to turn our lives over to Him means that we give Him complete rule and reign of our lives. He gets the driver’s seat while we seat beside Him and enjoy the ride (no back seat driving here). The profound thing about Christ having supreme rule over our life is that we are not left mindlessly following someone but we begin to see things differently and sense His leading as He guides us into newer, less familiar but supremely fulfilling routes than before. He leads us in our relationships, in our careers, in our education, in our choices and in our longings if we allow him to. He can lead us if we give him access. He can lead us if we make room for Him to move. He will gladly lead us when He finds us humbly obedient and eager. How ready are you for God to lead you? 

In the time of Moses and Joshua, God kept urging His people not to be afraid, for He was with them. He led them by a pillar of cloud and fire by day and by night. He led them into battle and fought for them. King David and other psalmists wrote hymns of the constant presence of God in every season of the soul. Jesus likens God the father to a good shepherd who knows every sheep by name and who gently guides his sheep to safe pastures. So, if this is the God we worship, one who is so involved in our lives, why do we fret about difficult decisions? Why do we spend sleepless nights worrying about what’s next? Can we trust that Immanuel—God with us—is truly with us to guide us into all truth and in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake? Can our unshakeable confidence stem from the assurance of his constant presence and his timely guidance for every situation of our life?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I ask you to lead me in the way I should go. I give you complete access of my life and ask that you lead me all the way. Give me joy and confidence in this journey since you are with me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.