Here is a short devotional God gave me concerning a similar text Michael Z, but from Luke 2. I had much more to share but remember it wad a devotional, not a sermon. Luke 2:1-7 - It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. All went to be registered every one into his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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. The birth of Jesus is a historical fact although He was most likely born late September of 4 BC. Caesar Augustus was aka Octavian, and adopted by his great uncle Julius Caesar. Octavian became Emperor of the Roman Empire after defeating the armies of Marc Antony and Cleopatra at Actium in 31BC. In 27 BC Octavian had the Roman Senate officially change his name to Augustus, meaning sacred, majestic and exalted. Cyrenius ruled over Syria and Judea. It was a family reunion of sorts for all and Joseph made the 80 mile trek down the mountain from Nazareth in Galilee, through the Jordan valley, and up the mountain to Bethlehem, with his pregnant wife Mary. They did not consummate their marriage until after the birth of the truly Exalted One. (Daniel 2:44) Both the betrothed were descended from David. Here we see the LORDs hand of providence orchestrating worldly affairs that a 700 year old prophecy might be fulfilled. (Micah 5:2) Bethlehem was so crowded that the couple found no welcome and Jesus was born where the animals were kept. It was here, in the fullness of time, the virgin conceived and Immanuel, God with us, was born. (Isa.7:14) Love came down clothed in a robe of clay and He died wearing the same. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes at birth and in death, yet He rose from the grave and set them aside and has ascended above all principalities and powers, to the right hand of The Father. (1 Peter 3:22) Appropriate it was the Bread of Life was born Bethlehem, the “city of bread”. Our lives too are a journey, filled with mountains and valleys through which we must trust and obey the LORD, and His perfect will for us. How alone Mary must have felt away from family and friends, with clumsy Joseph no doubt trying to comfort her, no doubt ashamed and broken, unable to provide a covering for young Mary. Yet God provided Himself again, (Gen.22:8) a cave in a world made by His own hands. It was in this manger our Saviors blood was first shed and last shed upon the cross for the remission of our sins. Jesus was despised and rejected of man, a man of sorrows acquainted with our grief. The foxes had holes, the birds their nests, but not so Jesus. People still exclude Jesus from their lives. They know of His love yet refuse to give Him room in their hearts. Have you room for Jesus this season? To as many as receive Him to them gives He the power to become the sons and daughters of God. (John 1:11-12) LORD Jesus, may You be born into each of our lives, may we proclaim Your majesty forever.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:12:34 +0000
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