Here is today’s devotion to start your day.
Available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
Saints, Sinners and Scandals: Escape to Egypt: God's Provision in Exile [PLM+]
Christmas: Written in the Stars. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 60
Sunset’s Dawn, Part 17- Jake to the rescue [PLM+]
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Scripture: Matthew 2:14-15
“He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
Reflection
It looked like a detour. It felt like exile. But it was prophecy unfolding.
Joseph didn’t want to flee. He didn’t want to uproot his family in the dead of night and cross a desert into foreign territory. But when the angel said “Go,” he didn’t hesitate.
And so the Messiah became a refugee.
God sent His Son into Egypt—a land with a history of oppression and idols. A land that once enslaved Israel now became the cradle of protection for its Savior. It’s poetic. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s exactly how God works.
Sometimes the path of obedience doesn’t look like progress. It looks like hiding. Like waiting. Like escape.
But Egypt was not outside God’s plan. It was within it.
Matthew connects the journey to Hosea’s ancient prophecy: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” It’s not just about geography—it’s about identity. Jesus is retracing the steps of Israel, but this time, He fulfills the story perfectly.
Where Israel failed in the wilderness, Jesus will overcome. Where God once delivered His people from Egypt, now He shelters His Deliverer there.
Your detour may be part of a much bigger design. What feels like delay may be divine redirection.
Centering Prayer
God of Hidden Routes,
You lead me places I never would have chosen. Help me see Your hand in the unfamiliar. When the road looks like a setback, show me the safety You’ve hidden there. Egypt was not exile—it was part of Your plan. When I find myself in unexpected places, remind me that You are already there. – Amen
Practice for Today
Think of a past season in your life that felt like a setback or detour. What good fruit or protection might you now see that you couldn’t at the time?
Journaling Prompt
Where in my life might God be using what looks like a detour as part of a greater fulfillment?
Blessing for the Day
The road you didn’t want to take may be the road God ordained.
The place you feared might become your shelter.
Let the detour teach you to trust His unfolding.
And wait—He’s still calling His children home.
Pray As You Go
Breathe in: Even the escape…
Breath out: … was part of Your plan.