Luke 2:1,3-5 ¶ In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 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.
Caesar Augustus was the emperor of the Roman Empire at the time of Christ’s birth. What he decreed was law. Isn’t it strange that the decree of this emperor was just a tool in the hand of the Lord, after all the messiah had to be born in Bethlehem. Caesar had one thing in mind but all he was was an instrument in the hand of God’s prophetic time clock. Caesar decreed and God’s will was done. Today is exactly the same. All of the apparent upheaval in the world is ultimately preparing the world for God’s prophetic show down. The world will be evangelized, the harvest will be reaped, and the end will come. Here are some thoughts from Louie Giglio on the decree of Caesar.
“Caesar was the most powerful man in the world at the time of Christ’s birth. A single edict from his hand propelled Mary and Joseph on a journey to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. And yet, looking back, it is clear that Caesar wasn’t the mastermind calling the shots. God was using Caesar to make way for Christmas! God was using Caesar’s decree to align heavenly plans. Thank God for Caesar’s decree! As today unfolds around you, remember that man may make laws, but God designs days. No person or power can trump God’s plans for your life. He is ordering all things to fulfill His purpose and His promise for you.”
What an incredible thought, man makes his plans often with malicious intent, but the kingdom of God is certain. Joseph’s brothers sold Joseph into slavery not knowing he was destined to rule Egypt, jewish priests and Roman soldiers wickedly execute Christ to fulfill God’s plan of redemption, and Paul gets thrown into a Macedonian jail to birth the church in Western Civilization. What kind of attacks and trials are facing you this Christmas? Be still and know that all man’s decrees ultimately fulfill the decrees of God.