THE BIRTH OF JESUS – The extraordinary and the mundane, all working together.
In reading my devotional today, I reflected on how Jesus’ birth was influenced by a governmental or political decree, revealing how God works through all aspects of life—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
The Bible tells us in Luke 2:1-2:
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria).”
This decree, a political decision affecting the Roman world, was instrumental in fulfilling a prophecy made centuries earlier.
Micah 5:2 declares:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, far from Bethlehem. Were it not for this mandated census, there seemed little reason for them to undertake the arduous journey to Bethlehem, especially with Mary heavily pregnant. There would have been no other sane reason, for a man, whose wife is heavily pregnant to take her through such a difficult task.
The seemingly mundane political decision of a census became a divine instrument, positioning Mary and Joseph exactly where they needed to be for Jesus, the Messiah, to be born in Bethlehem as foretold.
The Lesson for Us Today
This story reminds us that God is sovereign over all—over prophecies, governments, policies, and even the daily routines of our lives. What may seem like insignificant or even burdensome events can carry profound purpose when seen through the lens of God’s divine plan.
God could have chosen other methods to fulfill the prophecy. He could have used dreams, visions, or angelic instructions as He had done before in Mary and Joseph’s life. But instead, He chose to work through human systems, politics, and policies to achieve His divine will.
Applying This to Our Lives
Often, we feel detached or even frustrated by governmental decisions, workplace changes, or the seemingly mundane events of life. Yet, just as God used a Roman decree to fulfill His promise, He can use the ordinary and unexpected to bring about extraordinary purposes in our lives.
In the mundane, we can trust that God is at work. He uses the little, human, and simple things to achieve big things. Whether it’s a job transfer, a delay, or even a political policy that feels far removed from our personal lives, we can rest assured that God is weaving these moments into His grand tapestry for our good and His glory.
A Final Thought
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the birth of our Savior came through an intricate and divinely orchestrated plan, involving not just spiritual miracles but also human decisions. Be encouraged that your life, even in its simplicity, is part of a greater story written by God.
Have a Merry Christmas filled with hope, purpose, and joy!