Aim: To remain faithful to Christ—not straying from Him.
Doctrine: Remaining close to Christ (and His church) always beats fleeing to Egypt (or, the world). Abiding (by faith) is safer than wandering (through fretting); ''ordinary'' grace is superior to ''exotic'' sin.
Exegesis: The dangers of straying from ''Bethlehem'': the ''greener grass'' is poison (in Egypt) (vv. 13-17); the same God rules—in Judah, or in Egypt (v. 18); false hearts are exposed (as God-despisers) (vv. 19-22).
Further application: How to dwell (permanently) in ''Bethlehem'': plant my ''feet'' in the fertile soil of Christ, and fill my ''head'' with heavenly doctrine.
Key verse: v. 19 ''The LORD has said concerning you, O remnant of Judah, 'Do not go to Egypt!' Know certainly that I have admonished you this day.''
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Rev. Mark Henninger is a retired, ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa (B.A.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.Div). He is married to his wife, Lesley, and together they have one daughter and...
