The Christmas season is here. For me, it feels a whole lot different from the ones from the past. And I know I am not the only one feeling this way. The times we are living in seem to have dampen our spirits. But there is a reason for the times we are living in. Last time I wrote, we looked at God’s sovereign control over the world. Today, I want to bring up something that goes alongside sovereignty…and that is providence.
These two are connected and yet they are distinct. Sovereignty is God’s right and power to rule. Providence is God’s active influence in the world leading to his intended purpose. "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knoweledge to those who have understanding" (Daniel 2:21). Changes...removes...gives...those are action words. God is actively involved in world today. And sometimes the way he actively turns the times is unexpected and even inconvenient. Recently I have been reflecting on Luke 2. Which is pretty standard for a pastor during Christmas I suppose. It’s the classic Christmas story. Perhaps you are familiar with it. The story goes: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 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. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7) We might pass over that whole “registry” thing and jot it down as a historical event and nothing more. But that registration is much bigger than we realize. It leads to a fulfilled promise. But we will see that in a little later. Let’s stop and consider a few things. First, was this register an ordinary event? When we look at history, we find out that registers were common things. Augustus really loved them because it generated revenue for his building projects. The census’s though were more localized and moved from place to place. Here the whole kingdom, include Israel, was registered. That would mean this one would affect Mary and Joseph. Keep that in mind. Second, was this register simply decreed by the free will of Caesar Augustus? Consider these two verses
Third, did those who were registered find this a convienent situation in life? Mary is pregnant. The Bible doesn’t say how far along she is. It simply says that as she was in Bethlehem the time arrived for her to have a baby. We know she is at least three months pregnant, probably more. No matter how far along she was, comfortable would not be a word I would use to describe her experience. This ninety mile journey would have been an inconvenience. Sometimes the way God changes times and seasons isn’t comfortable and convenient for us either. But there is a purpose in what he does. Why would God have permitted there to be a register? What was his purpose? Well, hundreds of years earlier God made a promise. "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2) Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. But their family was from Bethlehem. So, what is one way in which they would be forced to go to Bethlehem so that the child would be born there? A census being decreed. The times we are living in today aren’t by happenchance. God has permitted and has led the course of events so that we are where we are today. And sometimes His ways are unexpected, uncomfortable, and inconvenient…but there is a purpose behind it. We may not know what it is, but maybe, just maybe, one reason is to bring about the fulfilment of a promise? Just as God prepared the stage for the arrival of Jesus according to the promises foretold, perhaps he is preparing the world for his second advent? I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and questions, so don't hesitate to comment below. Or you could send a message by clicking on the "Get in Touch" tab.
2 Comments
Alan Klein
12/12/2020 03:59:10 am
Isn't it amazing that sometimes very drastic things that happen in our lives can be the very thing that moves us into the right place for God to work a miracle, or bless us, or bless others through us. I think people are set enough in our ways that it can take something big to move us out of our comfort zone. Romans 8:28 fits in with this as well.
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David Hanson
12/12/2020 04:34:07 pm
Ya, we think they are obstacles, when in fact they are opportunities for us to grow. I've been learning that a whole bunch these last couple of months.
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