And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luke 2:1 KJV
Caesar Augustus was known as the first and greatest of the Roman Emperors.
His political skills and military power enabled him to eliminate his enemies and expand the empire.
He was able to lift Rome from being a city of rundown neighborhoods into a city of marble statues and temples.
He restored peace and prosperity to the city and changed every aspect of Roman life.
He was blessed with this ability for a divine purpose.
What he didn’t know was that that the divine purpose was to be a supporting role in an even bigger, more beholding story.
That Divine purpose was the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A birth that would be happening in a city under his rule.
Even during these times there was a tax season, and all the world was to be taxed.
Everyone had to go into their own city to pay the taxes owed.
Joseph, a carpenter, had to go to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
He made this journey with Mary, his wife, who was pregnant at the time.
While in the shadow of Caesar’s power, the son of a carpenter was born.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Born to reveal something greater than any Roman military victory, temple, statues, palace or required taxes (Luke 2:1).
God had sent Him to do more for us than Caesar could do in his lifetime.
There was a greater demand on His life.
He wouldn’t have royal powers over one area of the world, but the whole world.
There would be those who did not agree with His appointment and demand His crucifixion.
A crucifixion to be done by the hands of Roman Executioners.
Jesus still fulfilled everything God sent Him to do.
At some point, Jesus lifted His eyes toward Heaven and prayed to the Father.
Glorifying Him for the things He went through and the ability to make it through them.
Glorifying Him for what He was about to do on His behalf; allowing Him to return to Heaven (John 17:4-5).
He had finished this task but knew there was more to come.
Caesar had seen what the people were going through and sought to make the situation better.
He did, but there was only so much he could do and when his reign was over there was no guarantee they would stay the same.
We know with a change in leadership, many things can change.
Some for the good, some for the bad.
God saw the same things happening with man.
All over the world He found man living in foolish ways and fighting amongst themselves.
Not living in a manner that was pleasing.
He had a better solution for man’s problems.
Loving us so much, He sent Jesus to die for our sins.
His death wasn’t the end of His royal powers.
They last forever.
No one can take the Lord’s place.
Therefore, what He deems is best for us never changes.
It is up to us to abide by His Word.
Abiding by the Word is what makes it possible for us to sing songs of victory.
About how Jesus died on the old rugged cross to set us free from sin.
He didn’t have to do it, but He did.
He did it because He loves us that much and wants the best for us.
Think about it.
He supplied Adam and Eve with everything they needed (Genesis 2).
When they sinned and things changed, but He still loved us enough to send His Son to redeem us.
None of us could have ever imagined the wonder of a sacrifice that would bring us glory.
Even more reason to glorify His name.
A sacrifice that should be forever praised in heaven and earth.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we know that what Caesar did for his people was good. But what You did for us was far greater. We give honor and praise to You for sending Christ to save us from our sins. It feels great to be able to sing songs of victory for all You have done.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen