The Magi, probably from a caste of king-making pagan priests from Persia, had gone (Matthew 2:1-11).  In a dream, God told them not to tell Herod anything about their visit to Jesus; so, they went home by slipping across the border without going back to Jerusalem (Matthew 2:12).  Later, Joseph had a dream telling him to leave Bethlehem immediately because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The dream woke him up and the message was so urgent that Joseph roused Mary.

They hurriedly packed the expensive presents left by the Magi and escaped with Jesus in the middle of the night.  God told Joseph to take his family to Egypt without any delay.  And that is what he did.  Egypt would not be their long-term home.  It was a temporary place of safety, and Joseph was to be alert to hear God’s voice again – telling him to move to the next destination.

Like Abraham, 2000 years earlier (Genesis 12:1-4), God said, ‘this is the time to leave’ ... and Joseph obeyed.  The valuable gifts from the wise men could be sold to provide support for the young family.  And so they stayed in Egypt until the barbarous King Herod had died (Matthew 2:19-23).  In the same way that the Children of Israel came out of Egypt (Exodus 12:50-51), so too Jesus the Son of God would come from Egypt as prophesied in Hosea 11:1.  It was all in God's plan.  The significance of ‘coming out of Egypt’ was a reminder that God would save His people, leading them from the ‘slavery of sin’ to a place in God’s home.

Joseph had learned that when God speaks things happen; and if he was to be a part of God's plan, he needed to be obedient, immediately.  The circumstances were horrible, but God had made provision for their exile and commanded Joseph to take action.  Immediate obedience is only for servants, some might say.  It is!  All God's people are not only His family but also His servants; and every servant of the living God needs to be swift to obey so that God's plan can produce His intended result.  Joseph had come so far trusting God, why should he stop now?  He chose to be obedient to ensure that he did not obstruct the Divine purpose.  Do you know what God wants you to do?  Then why have you not done it!?  Obedience is the only way to be blessed in His plan.