December 22: Hosea 11:1 / Matthew 2:13-15

Throughout the ages, the voice of God has been heard in many ways, through prophets, through dreams, through signs and visions – each time calling those who would listen out of fear, bondage, and oppression into greater freedom.  Hosea 11:1 recalls, When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The prophet tells of a divine love that was not willing to leave Israel enslaved, but rather led the people from the grip of Pharaoh to the promise of a better life.

Many generations later, that same voice spoke again.  In Matthew 2:13-15, an angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with young Jesus, to protect him from Herod’s murderous rage. Once again, divine love acted to rescue and preserve life, fulfilling the earlier words of Hosea, and showing us that the divine impulse to call us from death to life is not confined to one moment in history but continues to speak and nudge us to act in every age.

Our challenge as people of faith today is to listen for that same voice of love, whether it comes through Scripture, our conscience or the compassionate wisdom of others.  Where are we being called to let go of fear and risk ourselves for the sake of those who may be in danger, suffering from oppression, hungry or hopeless? Are we willing to align ourselves with the divine intent that no one should live with the threat of harm but instead be aided to find greater safety and peace?

May we find the strength to overcome our complacency and be propelled by the love that calls us to desire lives of freedom and purpose for all people.  May we find the heart and courage to listen for God’s voice, and then to act in faith and hope.

Rev. Janet E. Frystack
Retired Lutheran (ELCA) Pastor

 


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