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"God's Providential Leading"
"And everyone went to his own town to register" (Luke 2:3).
Today, I want to consider God's leading in our lives. In Luke 2 we have what is likely the most read and familiar Christmas story, particularly in family settings. The first three verses set the scene.
Caesar had decreed a census which required everyone to go to his hometown to register. For most this was probably seen as merely another nuisance requirement of government and a source of taxation. We know all about that don't we! Their lives were disrupted and I can imagine there was a lot of grumbling against Caesar. Yet God providentially used this decree to place Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem at just the right time, where centuries before it was prophesied that the Christ was to be born (Micah 5:2).
The journey for Joseph and Mary from Galilee to Bethlehem was long (about 70 miles) and surely challenging. Do you suppose they questioned why or even murmured some along the way? Whatever mode of transport they used (Scripture does not tell us) it was surely not an easy trip, particularly considering Mary's advanced pregnancy.
Yet since Mary and Joseph had heard from God regarding His plan they were both likely at a point of humble submission. That's a great place to be as we face the inevitable challenges and bumps of life. When Mary was first approached by the angel Gabriel concerning God's glorious plan for her she responded, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said" (1:38). This mysterious trip was part of His plan.
I ponder this concerning my life today as I seek to stay in the center of God's will. Perhaps you will as well.
Many of us, like Mary, have also committed our lives to the Lord as His servants and are confident of His leading. We have abundant promises concerning His steadfast love and care.
Yet His way can be uncomfortable and mysterious and at times may make no sense at all as we go through it. But God calls us to keep trusting and obeying. At some unspecified time later we will see the bigger picture and we can be absolutely assured that through God's providential leading it will come together for our good as it did for Joseph and Mary. Stay faithful today and have a blessed Christmas!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Additional thought: As I wrote this morning it also occurred to me how our lives might also be disrupted in ways we don't understand due to what the Lord is doing to accomplish His will in someone else's life.
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, broaden my faith and increase my understanding as You lead me from day to day. In the midst of Mary and Joseph simply obeying the laws of their government You had a supernatural event unfold in their lives that would completely change history and completely change my life many centuries later. Help me in the ordinary events of my life to respond with the submissive heart that Mary had. I declare that I am Your servant and I recognize that You can do anything. Accomplish Your will in my life.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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