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. Luke 2:1-5
This afternoon, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on how a big God orchestrated in the heart of Caesar Augustus a census to be taken throughout the world (Roman empire), and that this census required that people register in their hometown. This of course brought Joseph and Mary - with the unborn Jesus - from Nazareth to Bethlehem, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecy from Micah 5:2 where it states:
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2
Piper uses this fulfillment of prophecy, and how God orchestrated the details, to highlight how God uses insignificant people, where ever they are in their lives - to accomplish great things and to show how God moves in all of our lives. He also wants us to be encouraged, even during times of adversity. Piper writes:
"Do not think, because you experience adversity in your little world of
experience, that the hand of the Lord is shortened. It is not our
prosperity or our fame but our holiness that he seeks with all his
heart. And to that end, he rules the whole world. As Proverbs 21:1
says, 'The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will.' And he is always turning it for his
saving and sanctifying and eternal purposes among his people."
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank for being so big and yet so involved in the details of my life - You encourage and lift me up always, even during very dark times. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love me. My sin is great...and daily...worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
