Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 23 December 2020

 

The Decree that Changed History

 

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And 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.”

(Luke 2:1-5)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things we learn when we search through scripture is that everything that was spoken about Jesus had to be fulfilled.  Even the place that He was to be born.  I’m sure that with the arrogance and evilness of Herod towards the Jews, and the occupation of the Romans in the surrounding areas, Joseph would probably have been content to just stay in Galilee with Mary, being great with child, instead of having to go back to Bethlehem to be taxed just because he was of the lineage of David. But scripture stated that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Judah (Micah 5:2). And so, the decree by Caesar Augustus to tax the world was all a part of God’s plan to fulfill His own purpose. As David said, “Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.(Psalms 20:4)  This decree changed history.  Instead of Christ being born where Joseph and Mary may have desired, God knew where it must happen to fulfill scripture and purpose. So, the next time you may have to go from where you are to another place because of a new law, do not balk at it.  It just may be God fulfilling His plan and purpose through your life.

 

Sing:  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will follow.  I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

 

Thought For Today: Allow God to fulfill His purpose in your life today.

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