"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:1-3

 December 18

​"At that time the Emperor Augustus ordered a census of the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All the people went to register in the cities where their ancestors had lived." -Luke 2:1-3 (GW)

​Have you ever been on a hard trip that exhausted you? Long trips can be devastating if forced. It is hard for us to imagine living in a world where the entire population can be required to travel hundreds of miles to be registered in order to be taxed. Not only would we have to endure painful expensive trips but bring large amounts of money in order to pay taxes. Only a dictatorship caring little for its people could have this power. An example in recent times would be Nazi Germany requiring all Jews to be registered and relocated. A Roman census and registration was done to both aid military conscription and for tax collection. Jews weren't required to serve in the Roman army, but they paid huge taxes. The Roman Empire is often glorified in history books but the truth is it was brutal. Their oppressive government was only interested in growing wealthier at the expense of a servile obedient population. It was in such a time as this that Jesus was born. Luke is the only Gospel writer who anchored the events he recorded to world history. His account was addressed to an educated audience that would have been interested in and familiar with political situations. Palestine was under the rule then of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, an effective but harsh dictator. The Emperor was considered to be a god. What a contrast to the tiny baby that would be born in a manger who would truly be God in the flesh. Yet Augustus's decree went out in God's perfect timing and plan to bring his Son into the world. It ensured Mary fulfilled God's prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem: "But you, Bethlehem ...Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel..." (Micah 5:2) Joseph and Mary registered in their ancestral town in God's timing. If you are facing hard times now, remember if you are patient and don't give up, God can use any situation for good to accomplish his purpose!

​Prayer: Almighty God, Lead me to where I should be. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: All things can work for good with God.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)