“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth” (Luke 2:1).
God had so directed the events of history that everything was now prepared for the coming of His Son. The Old Testament revelation had been completed, the forerunner John had been born and now the “fullness of time” had come at last. Luke now explains the historical circumstances that brought the Nazarenes, Joseph and Mary, to Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus had decreed that the whole Roman Empire should be taxed. The reference to “all the inhabited earth” points to the arrogance of Rome.
Caesar Augustus reigned from 30 B.C to A.D. 14. He had put an end to the civil wars which had raged for years throughout the Roman Empire. Through his peaceful rule he ushers in the “peace of Rome” which actually facilitated the spread of Christianity. By establishing a time of peace and requiring an empire-wide census which ultimately led to the fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 5:2, he was an unwitting instrument in the hand of God.
In such a census the name, occupation, property, and kindred had to be entered into public registers. The likely purpose of this census was the collecting of taxes. The Jews were exempt from military service but required to pay taxes to Rome. Respecting the national customs of the Jews, Augustus allowed the inhabitants to go to their original native city. Joseph therefore went to Bethlehem the city of David because he was of the house and family of David (5).
Can you see God at work in the details even when the human instrument is unaware of the role he plays? Can you trust God to work in the details of your life even when you don’t always see Him at work?
Prayer: Help me to trust Your care even when I can’t always comprehend the circumstances of my life. Amen