Caesar August sent out a decree that “all the world should be taxed.” Consder the magnitude of this statement. He was ruler of the entire known world. He was worshipped. His decree sent the whole world scrambling to get back to their towns of origin to pay taxes. During his reign the Roman Empire experienced the Pax Romana—peace of Rome, but this wasn’t real peace; it was submission under the threat of death. Caesar killed a lot of people to maintain “peace.” He was in control, or at least he thought he was. His decree sent Joseph and Mary, who was very pregnant, on a trip to Bethlehem where the real king was born just as the prophets had foretold. It was Caesar’s decree, but God’s plan. God was fulfilling His purpose. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and he is our peace!

Scriptures:

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

And it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1 KJV)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (Because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (Luke 2:3-4 KJV)

“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.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

And he will be our peace…. (Micah 5:5 NIV)

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7 KJV)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:8-10 NIV)

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and laying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12 NIV)

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV)

Thought – You may think you are in control, or maybe you feel your life, plans, and everything around you are way out of control right now, but remember God has a plan. His purpose will prevail. The sooner you accept it and submit to it, the sooner you will experience real peace, as only Christ can give. 

Questions – Are you a control freak? If so, what are you trying to control that is causing stress and frustration? If you have submitted control to God, how do you respond when things don’t go as you planned? How have you seen God’s plan prevail despite the attempts of people to control things?

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to us! Thank you for salvation, hope and peace that are only possible through him. We give all our worship and all our praise to you, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen