The God Who Protects

Throughout Scripture, one of God’s characteristics is that He is a Protector. Whether it is His people, His plans, or His promises, He will protect them so that His purpose will be fulfilled. A good example of this is found in Genesis 3:15. As part of the judgment in the Garden of Eden, the serpent who tempted Eve would one day be crushed by one of her offspring. This promise is commonly called the protoevangelium, or the first announcement of the gospel, indicating that the Messiah would ultimately crush Satan. As a result, throughout Scripture, we see God protecting and preserving the Messianic line. The birth of Jesus is no different. In Matthew’s Gospel, God the Father is seen as the Protector of the Child Jesus.  

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 Herod the Great, king of Judea in the days of Jesus’ birth, was known for paranoia and violent behavior. In Matthew 2 we get a glimpse of his erratic behavior, as indicated in the warnings given to Joseph. God not only warned the Magi (Matt. 2:12), but also warned Joseph in a dream to flee from Herod. Herod’s intent was clear in his desire to kill the Child. Just as a father protects his son from harm, so would Jesus be protected by God the Father.

“From infancy, the threat of death hung over our Lord. It is apparent that Jesus was born to die, but only at the appointed time.”[1]  

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Joseph’s obedience was so immediate that he did not even wait until morning to depart for Egypt. Instead, he immediately left for Egypt while it was still night. No questioning or delay, Joseph knew what the Lord instructed and was determined to simply obey. This is a lesson for us as well. God’s protection of the Child also served to fulfill His Word. Matthew reminds us that this event also fulfilled Hosea 11:1, which refers to the Lord’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

“There were similarities between the nation and the Son. Israel was God's chosen 'son' by adoption (Ex. 4:22), and Jesus is the Messiah, God's Son. In both cases, the descent into Egypt was to escape danger, and the return was important to the nation's providential history.”[2]

Just as God protected Jesus to accomplish His plans for salvation, so He continues to protect His children today to fulfill His purposes in them. Throughout the Scripture, God is described in many ways, and one of those is as a Protector. The Lord has protected His plans and His people and continues to do the same today. Those who have trusted in Christ are now children of God. He, in turn, protects them from the evil one and his plans. May we trust Him more fully, resting in His character as revealed in His perfect, eternal Word.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”[3]

[1] The Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg. 1117.

[2] Louis Barbieri.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary– Matthew, pg. 22.

[3] Proverbs 18:10 NASB 95.