God Controls History

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

Luke 2:1

Historically, we know that after the death of Julius Caesar, the entire Roman empire was split into three to be governed by Octavian (Caesar Augustus), Mark Antony and Lepidus. Of course, greed and the desire for more control set in, leading to wars upon wars among these three. Lepidus was first to lose his life and his kingdom, followed by Mark Antony after much fight. With all the enemies out of the way, Octavian who is now renamed Caesar Augustus took control of the entire Roman world of Jesus’ time but after the many wars, Rome was financially bankrupt. In order to be able to plan the rebuilding works, the bible tells us that “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…And everyone went to their own town to register.” (Luke 2:1-3). 

This event probably affected different people in different ways. One of such people was Joseph, who travelled “from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child”

Ordinarily this declaration, on the surface, looked like Caesar Augustus was in control, doing as he pleased; for Joseph, he had no choice but to obey the government by making this census trip. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Both Caesar and Joseph were just acting out a script long written by God. God had promised that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and that promise would be fulfilled. So how does one get a young couple from Nazareth down to Bethlehem when they might not be inclined to travel? Simple. Just work through the political “saviour of the world,” and use him as a pawn in your plan.

This wasn’t the first time God showed His control over history by moving the heart of political leaders, he did it with Pharaoh in Egypt to pave the way for Moses to be raised in the palace; similar to raising gentile Cyrus who will declare the restoration of the jews and their city. 

He is still doing it today. You thought the family you were born into was an accident but it was all planned by God. The course you wanted to study wasn’t what you got eventually but even this new one is an occasion for God to manifest. I know your life may not be going as planned right now, the kids refusing to come after this many years in marriage but God has you right where you should be. And if you can trust Him, it will all make sense in due time. Do you believe it?

PRAYER