Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. –
Luke 2:4-5
God uses places to link us to His purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see God moving His people from one place to another for Him to do something for them. God asked Abraham to move from His homeland to seek a promised land. The Lord instructed the prophet Elijah, to move to Zarephath to receive help. Naomi and Ruth moved from the Moab to Bethlehem to connect to what the Lord had prepared for them.Luke 2:4-5
God used Quirinius’ tax registration decree to get Mary and Joseph into the right place. The order came at a very inconvenient time in the life of the young couple. In the days of the New Testament, a trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 140 kilometres and took about a week to travel. Taking a heavily pregnant mother on such a trip could have taken a long time. The terrain was harsh and went through flatlands and hills. Those hills were also the den of both wild animals such as lion, and thieves.
Through many dangers, toils and snares, God led the mother of Jesus and her husband into the appointed place for Christ’s birth. They walked into prophecy without knowing they were doing so. Mary and Joseph likely had other people travelling on the journey with them; each of them affected by the tax decree, but none of them had any clue Who the young mother was carrying.
The other travellers on the road to Bethlehem were merely moving at the command of a Roman Governor. However, Mary and Joseph were moving at God’s command.
If you genuinely believe in God’s sovereignty and purposes for your life, He makes all things work together for your good.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me in the right place. I accept Your purposes for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!Scripture Reading:
Luke 2:1-7
CrossoverWithOtabil
YearOfExcellence
