The first time the Angel spoke to Joseph, it was to confirm what Mary had already shared with him. But not the next two times…

Matthew 2:13-14

“Now when they (the wise men) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So Joseph got up and took them while it was still night and left for Egypt.”

Then later in Matthew 2:19-21

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to Israel.”

In both of these cases…

– the Angel says ‘Get up’ so Joseph immediately ‘got up’

Timing often matters. This is the man God uses, a man who hears from God and does what He says immediately. 

Christmas Application: As I spend time with God and He speaks to me through His Spirit and His Word, I must be prepared to “get up” and obey Him immediately. Just like Joseph, other’s lives depend on my obedience.