Dreaming of Providence
Dreaming of Providence - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“Dreaming of Providence,” from Matthew 2:13-18, continues Silver City’s Advent series on divine dreams, focusing on Joseph’s warning to flee Herod’s slaughter. After the Magi’s visit, an angel commands Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt, fulfilling Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt I called my son”). Herod’s rage leads to the massacre of Bethlehem’s boys, echoing Pharaoh’s act and fulfilling Jeremiah 31:15. The sermon portrays God’s providence using unlikely means—flight, exile, tragedy—for His glory and salvation. Jesus, the true Israel and greater Moses, relives the nation’s story to redeem it. Believers are called to trust God’s sovereign hand in triumph and trial, obeying His guidance and finding comfort in His unchanging plan.
Key Takeaways
An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt (2:13), protecting Jesus from Herod. The sermon shows God’s providence using unexpected refuge, reversing Israel’s slavery story to fulfill Hosea 11:1.
Herod massacres Bethlehem’s boys (2:16), echoing Pharaoh’s act. The sermon portrays this as evil under God’s control, fulfilling Jeremiah 31:15 while advancing salvation.
Jesus relives Israel’s story—exile and return—as the faithful Son (2:15). The sermon highlights typology: Jesus succeeds where Israel failed, redeeming His people.
God’s plan uses triumph (Magi’s gifts) and trial (flight, slaughter) for glory. The sermon calls believers to trust His sovereign care in every circumstance, obeying His guidance.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Divine Warning
Scripture: Matthew 2:13
Devotional Idea: Trust God’s guidance in times of danger.
An angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt (2:13). The sermon shows God’s providence protecting His Son through dreams. Reflect on times God guided you through uncertainty. The sermon calls for obedience to His direction. How can you listen for His voice today? Ask God to alert you to dangers and lead you safely.
Day 2: Out of Egypt
Scripture: Matthew 2:15
Devotional Idea: See Jesus fulfilling Israel’s story.
Jesus’ flight fulfills Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt I called my son”). The sermon portrays Jesus as the true Israel. Reflect on how Christ relives and redeems the nation’s history. The sermon highlights typology. How does this deepen your trust in God’s plan? Ask God to show you His fulfillment in your life.
Day 3: Herod’s Rage
Scripture: Matthew 2:16
Devotional Idea: Grieve evil under God’s sovereign control.
Herod slaughters Bethlehem’s boys (2:16). The sermon shows evil’s opposition yet God’s protection. Reflect on tragedies where God’s plan prevailed. The sermon calls for trusting providence in suffering. How can you find comfort in God’s care? Ask Him to strengthen your faith amid darkness.
Day 4: Rachel’s Weeping
Scripture: Matthew 2:18
Devotional Idea: Find hope in lament fulfilled in Christ.
Jeremiah 31:15’s weeping is fulfilled (2:18). The sermon ties grief to exile, yet points to new covenant joy. Reflect on personal or communal sorrow. The sermon offers grace in tragedy. How does Christ’s coming bring comfort? Ask God to turn mourning to hope.
Day 5: Trusting Providence
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15
Devotional Idea: Obey God’s guidance in uncertainty.
Joseph obeys instantly, fleeing to Egypt (2:13-15). The sermon calls for trusting providence in triumph and trial. Reflect on a time God directed you unexpectedly. The sermon urges obedience. How can you trust His plan today? Ask God for faith to follow His lead.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does Joseph’s immediate obedience in Matthew 2:13-14 model trust in God’s providence during crisis?
- Reflection: Why does God use Egypt—a former place of slavery—as refuge, and how does this reveal His sovereign plan?
- Reflection: How does Herod’s slaughter and Rachel’s weeping (2:16-18) highlight the cost of Christ’s coming and God’s ultimate victory?
- Application: Identify a current “Egypt” (uncertainty or trial) in your life; commit to trusting God’s guidance this week.
- Application: Obey a prompting from God’s Word or Spirit today, acting in faith like Joseph despite fear or inconvenience.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18
- Cross-References: Hosea 11:1 (out of Egypt), Jeremiah 31:15 (Rachel weeping), Exodus 1:15-22 (Pharaoh’s slaughter), Genesis 3:15 (serpent crushed), Revelation 12:1-6 (woman and child fleeing dragon)
Westminster Confession Connection
Matthew 2:13-18’s portrayal of God’s providence in protecting Jesus amid Herod’s evil aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 5, Section 1, which teaches that God upholds, directs, and governs all things by His wise and holy providence for His glory and the good of His church. The sermon’s emphasis on God using flight, exile, and tragedy to fulfill promises reflects this sovereign care. Believers are called to trust His plan in triumph and trial, obeying His guidance as Joseph did.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 5, Section 1: God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence… to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. [Scripture proofs: Hebrews 1:3; Daniel 4:34-35; Psalm 135:6; Acts 17:25-26, 28; Job 38-41]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 11: What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are, His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions. [Scripture proofs: Psalm 145:17; Psalm 104:24; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19]
Larger Catechism, Q. 18: What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to His own glory. [Scripture proofs: Psalm 145:17; Psalm 104:24; Isaiah 28:29; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29-31]
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