“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5
Caesar Augustus, the first emperor in the ancient Roman Empire, issued an order which fulfilled a biblical prophecy made 600 years before he was born. Even the prophet Micah had predicted that the Messiah would be born in the small village of Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus was one of the most successful Roman emperors. Born in 63 B.C., he reigned as emperor for 45 years, until his death in A.D. 14. He was the grand nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar and used the popularity of his great uncle’s name to rally the army behind him.
His power increased over time but Caesar Augustus worshiped the pagan Roman gods, but even worse, he allowed himself to be worshiped as god. Caesar Augustus tried his best to write his own success and achievements of his reign.
Caesar Augustus tried to write history. What he was actually doing writing His story. Jesus Story.
Lesson one: Very strange how things often seem, like in the case of Caesar, controlled by others where the truth is that every plan you see is fulfilling God’s plan and He is in control.
So don’t be afraid of what you see happening around you, be encouraged that He is above all and holding all things by His word.
Caesar Augustus tried to be god, see at the time when man became god, God became man.
Lesson two: Man is always selfish and always looks for fulfilling his own plan and agenda. Caesar’s plan ended him dying. God’s plan ended Him living. Caesar’s plan did not achieve its goal. God’s plan achieved all goals. See God’s plan is not man’s plan. God’s plan is always perfect and on time. I encourage you to adopt God’s plans for your life so you can live and not end up like Caesar.
