And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. –
Luke 2:1-2
God uses all kinds of natural and human activities to bring His purposes about. In our passage today, we see how God moves world events to align us with His determined counsel. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, but the prophecies regarding the Messiah required that He should be born in Bethlehem in Judea.Luke 2:1-2
How does God move Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem? He could have sent an angel or used dreams and visions to give guidance. The Lord chose an unusual means to move Mary to Bethlehem. The Lord used a regular, civic activity to provide direction to the young couple.
Quirinius, who was the Roman governor of Syria and Judea, issued a decree under the command of Caesar for a census. This was a tax census. The Roman governor enacted this policy so that he could more effectively tax the Jews in his territory. As a result, the Jews deeply resented this action. It disrupted their lives and reminded them that they were subjects in their own land. Yet, God chose this disruptive policy to work out His purposes in the world.
We must always remind ourselves that God rules in the affairs of life. He is involved in the historical events of our world. That does not mean that He instigates all historical events. The scriptures firmly point to the fact that God rules in the affairs of our world. He uses what may have been intended to disrupt our lives to bring us in line with His will. The Lord turns the schemes of men into a divine setup for His people. He rearranges the intentions of the wicked to suit the promises He had made to His people.
Mary and Joseph were not in the council or senate that finalized the tax decree. They did not have any idea that their lives were about to be disrupted. Likewise, the policymakers in Judea had no idea that their decision was going to fulfill an ancient prophecy. The only one who saw the larger game plan of all the events happening was God. He could put all the pieces together to create His masterpiece.
God knows what is happening when we don’t know what is happening.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, lead me by Your Spirit even when I don’t understand everything happening around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!Scripture Reading:
Luke 2:1-7
CrossoverWithOtabil
YearOfExcellence
