The Second Dream of Joseph

Matthew 2: 13-15

“13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where 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.”

Joseph’s second dream was a warning from an angel of God to flee the murderous scheme of the King against his child.  No parent wants to hear or even think about their child being in danger.  Joseph’s fear must have been severe when he learned that it was the King of Israel, the most powerful man in Israel, who wanted his child dead.

As in the first dream, Joseph recognized God’s voice in this dream, he believed that his dream was true, and he took immediate action that not only saved the life of Christ but, in all probability, Mary’s life and his as well.

Joseph was a man of faith, who not only believed but who put his faith into action. His life teaches us to trust in God, trust in our faith, and live our faith each day.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)