David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 2:14-15

So [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, ¹⁵where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Monty Roberts is the “real horse whisperer.” His training techniques are remarkable and can be seen on his website: www.montyroberts.com/.  He first sends away the horse until he sees the four signs of the horse’s submission, then he invites the horse back; a constant challenge and invitation process that is remarkable to watch. There are several videos on his website that are remarkable and demonstrate his join up technique. On one video he talks about controlling the horse’s footsteps rather than letting the horse control your footsteps; letting the horse chase you rather than chasing the horse.

Challenge and invitation: these two dynamics describe quite well the ebb and flow of our relationship with God. It is interesting to note that in this passage from Matthew 2, Joseph is told to take the Christ Child away into Egypt for His protection so that when He was called up out of Egypt he could follow God’s call fully and completely.

Our relationship with God is more similar than we might first think. We are sent away – if we’re willing to be honest – in repentance and contrition over our sins. God is not pleased with our sins, nor are we inclined to be in His presence because of our sinful nature. God sends us away (challenges us) by confronting us with that reality in the face of His holiness and righteousness.

And God looks for the signs of our submission to Him: repentance and faith. We must acknowledge our unrighteousness, our sin, our failure to do what He commands us to do, and be who He wants us to be. It is an attitude of the heart, and a submission of the will that only God can truly recognize. Once that is established, God invites us to come to Him and follow Him wherever He leads.

This dynamic is sometimes a subtle one. When Jesus came as a baby, it didn’t look very challenging. Yet it truly was. God will be dealt with in His time and according to His plan. Kings may seek to assert their will over against Jesus, but they will not succeed. God will prevail – if even it is through a child. For this child will live in perfect submission to God, faithful and true.

Where might God be calling you to repentance and faith today? Where is His challenge for you? What is His invitation for you? Ultimately it is to abundant eternal life, and we come to that in repentance and faith in the One who followed God when He called and now reigns at the right hand of God on high.