Day 6 Invisible Strings
Luke 2:1-5 ESV
Focal Scripture: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child.”
According to Spurgeon: Prophecy stated that our LORD would come from Judah and be born in Bethlehem. God used the prophet Micah to bring forth this prophecy.When the time came for Jesus to be born we ran into two problems. 1) Who would document the correct lineage of Jesus if He came from a humble carpenter and an unknown maiden. 2) Mary lived in Nazareth in Galilee, not Bethlehem, Judah. The most reasonable thing would be for Jesus to be born there. So near to the due date, Mary had no reason or desire to make such a long journey. However to God nothing is impossible. He is capable of using everything, even wicked leaders for His glory and purpose.
Herold, the king of Judea had offended Agustus, the king of Rome. This offense led king Agustus to order a census of all the Jewish people in preparation for taxation. Even Augustus was but a mere puppet moved by God’s invisible strings to attain His purpose. This order led Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, Judah and fulfil the prophecy.
No Room For Christ In The Inn-Sermon delivered Dec. 21, 1862
My Thoughts: God used the prophet Micah to proclaim to all the world how our newborn King, Jesus, would be born. There were many elements that had to come into place to identify the true Messiah, the savior of the world. There were a few obstacles for Joseph and Mary to overcome; however, with God nothing is impossible. Whatever lies ahead of us, however difficult, improbable or unrealistic it seems, we know that with God by our side we can see it come to pass. In these moments we can practice our faith and not walk by sight (2 Corinth 5:7). Even those with all the authority find themselves powerless against God’s will. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever he will.” -Prov.21:1 We can take refuge that “...if God is for us then who can stand against us.”-Romans 8:31
Prayer Note:
May we have faith in God’s will over our lives
May we practice our faith