Following the visit of the Wise men, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived in Egypt as refugees until Herod’s death. Interestingly, Matthew saw the return of the boy Jesus as a fulfilment of the prophecy of Hosea (Matt 2:15)
1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more they were called, the more they went away…
4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love…
5 …they have refused to return to me...
7 My people are bent on turning away from me…
8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? …
My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
9 I will not execute my burning anger…
for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath. HOSEA 11
This prophecy captures God’s ongoing turmoil with his people. Since rescuing them from Egypt God has loved his people, but they had not returned His love. What should God do with wicked people who provoke him and will not respond to love? Can God satisfy both his anger and love without one compromising either?
At Christmas we celebrate the coming of the Son who would die on our behalf. At Christmas we anticipate Easter, the fulfilment of God’s wrath and love. This Christmas, enter into God’s love – love people despite their behaviour. Why not make a call, give someone another chance, forgive a sin?
Denis Oliver