Cutting-edge Plans
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:13-15
So [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt …
—Matthew 2:14
Some people thrive on taking extreme risks. They enjoy driving fast, skydiving, rock climbing, and other thrilling experiences that bring a rush of adrenaline. Some of us look at them and shake our heads, mumbling, “Irresponsible.”
At the other extreme, some people want no risks at all. They like the comfort of their home, the security of a predictable job, and the routine of a regularly scheduled calendar. Some of us look at their lives and say, “Boring.”
Most of us live between these extremes. On the one hand, we want security and reliability in our lives. On the other hand, we want a life that is interesting and challenging and may even involve some risk taking.
When Joseph and Mary were called by God to raise the Messiah in their family, they discovered that God gave them security as well as plenty of challenges. God kept them safe by warning them of Herod’s plan, but that meant they had to flee with Jesus to a safer place. In faithfulness they fully engaged in a meaningful part of God’s eternal plans.
Followers of Christ have the best of both worlds. We have the security of God’s presence for eternity, while we also know that he will call us to challenging, meaningful tasks in which we will learn to lean on him.
What tasks has God called you to do lately?
Lord Jesus, let me know the comforting assurance of your presence as you challenge me with significant tasks for your kingdom. Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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