Do you like history? Do you enjoy reading history? Have you seen reenactments of historical events? Have you visited museums that display artifacts and provide information about historical events and people? Have you considered how long after an event takes place before it becomes part of history?
History is interesting to me. I truly enjoy it. Yet, I would not consider myself a history buff. And to remember specific dates is challenging at best. Regardless, we mark history by significant events. Most recently, we can all state where we were when 9/11 occurred, or whether it happened pre or post pandemic.
Luke marks the birth of Jesus with an historical event. A census was decreed by Caesar Augustus for taxation purposes. This was the impetus for Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the town of David. It also demonstrates how God uses the most powerful people the world can offer to carry out his will.
Caesar had no idea he was being used by God. It is only as the event is recorded several years later that it becomes clear how God used him. As with any historical event, the birth narrative of Jesus is recorded much later. Why is this important to us and how can we apply it to our lives? God continues to work in the world today. Yet, we won’t necessarily see how he is working until years later. Therefore, just as the Jews were not aware of how God was using Caesar, we are not aware of how God is using leaders in our world today. We are simply called to trust that God is at work and continue to put our faith in him.
I pray we all recognize that history is written years after the events it records. I pray we trust God is at work in our world. I pray each one of us continue to put our faith in God. History is recorded years later. Trust God is working. Put your faith in God. Continue to follow his plan for you.
Luke 2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Marty Pressey 