Changing Direction

“But when they returned to their own land, they didn’t go through Jerusalem to report to Herod, for God had warned them in a dream to go home another way.” Matthew 10:12

I know my blog is not meant to be a critique of television or cinema, but one new show this year has caught my interest. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) combines Josh Whedon’s brilliant writing and direction with characters and situations from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a fun mix of new super humans and futuristic gadgetry.

The most recent episode focused on two characters; one a typical agent, muscle-bound and street savvy, and the other a geeky information system genius. They are paired on a secret mission to infiltrate an enemy bastion and disarm a weapon capable of destroying the world. It is all intrigue and danger, coupled with quick wit and a few twists along the way. We discover, though, the “system” has no plan for their extrication from this mission. In essence, they are behind enemy lines, surrounded by thousands of soldiers, and on their own to make an escape.

Near the end of the episode they do escape, despite the “system’s” lack of concern for their probably demise. Friends in high places take it on themselves to rescue the team; (most of the action of the team takes place on a Super Giant Hi-Tech Jet transport)

I could not help but think about that episode as I read about the Wise Men’s journey to worship Jesus shortly after His birth. They stopped off in Jerusalem to pay their respects to the local King Herod, double-check their directions, and finish the final leg of their long pilgrimage. It is there that the High Priest confirms that the Messiah is to be born in Jerusalem.

Herod, jealous of any rival, even one not yet able to walk or speak, insists the Wise Men come back and tell him all about the new “king” so he can go worship as well. The Wise Men, not knowing any better (there have been no Christmas Sunday School programs produced as yet), plan to do just that. But God, knowing all, warns these men to return home a different way; worship is the last thing on Herod’s mind.

God always has an extraction strategy. As long as we are walking in the center of His will, we can be certain that no matter if we are surrounded by thousands of soldiers behind enemy lines, or are on the deceiving end of a jealous king, God has our back. This does not mean we will never struggle; but it does mean that God’s plan is what will win no matter what.

The Wise Men got new direction, John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. In a single story in Acts 5, the Apostle Peter is delivered from prison by an angel, then, the very next day, arrested for preaching and flogged by the soldiers of the High Priest. It all seems rather arbitrary sometimes. Did God run out of miracles after the angel delivered them, having to recharge His supernatural batteries? Of course not!

God has an agenda for His world. When we decide to follow Christ we also are signing on to the same agenda. He desires that, in whatever way possible, the entire world will hear about the forgiveness He has offered through His Son Jesus Christ. Sometimes that is best accomplished by snatching two fellows out of prison and letting them preach again. Other times, the love of God is communicated better by people who, though suffering at the hands of wicked authorities, continue to share that same message, even with their adversaries.

God has the power to deliver us from any situation. He knows every escape plan for every possibility. There is no plan, no device that is hidden from His knowledge. Jesus refused to bypass the suffering of the cross because He knew it was the only way to accomplish the full forgiveness of the world. God could have sent rescue, but both Father and Son refused the extrication plan so we could be forgiven.

Keeping our heart focused on Christ, we can be certain that, if it is needed, He will give us new directions when danger arises. Or, if He needs us, and we do suffer, along with the disciples in Acts 5, we can rejoice that we have suffered along with Christ.

Father God knew Herod’s plans and warned the Wise Men through a dream. That much truth helps me to stop trying to manipulate the world around me, and simply stay focused on the mission. It allows me peace enough to continue, leaving all the results in His hands.