The Decree: Luke 2:1-5
“1) Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2) This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3) And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5) in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” Luke 2:1-5
Luke, being an historian attached the birth of Jesus to a secular event. It happened that Caesar Augustus ordered that a census be taken of the whole inhabited world. Leaders strike their pride by the size of their Kingdom.
Because Joseph was from the city of David called Bethlehem, he and Mary had to travel back from Galilee to register. Both he and Mary were from the house and family of David.
This fact is significant because Biblical prophecy taught that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and would be born in Bethlehem. And so, more biblical prophecy was unfolding. The stage was being set.
The intriguing part of this story is that God used a secular ruler to help fulfill a Divine injunction. It intrigues me who God uses to accomplish His Divine purpose.
This story has a special meaning for me. Shortly after the Iron Curtain came down, I was participating in mission trip in Slovakia. My host was a history buff. So I asked him if we could find something to remind me of ancient history. He has the perfect idea.
He took me to a coin store and asked the owner if he had any ancient coins. He smiled and shortly produced a tray of coins. My host then asked, “Do you have any connected to Biblical history?” He smiled and brought out another tray. It was amazing!
Then he picked up one coin in particular and said, “This is my prize coin.” As I looked at the coin, the bust of the Caesar was still visible. On the back was the inscription, “Caesar Augustus.” Yes, it was the very Caesar Augustus who decreed that a census be taken of the whole inhabited world that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
I walked out of that coin store as the new owner of a piece of history. What did it cost me? Far less than its apologetic value to me over the years.
Sometimes when I preach the Christmas story, I pass the coin around for the congregation to view. It is amazing to watch believers and skeptics alike when they hold that coin on their hand.
Two things happen. First, their eyes light up as they realize they are holding an undeniable piece of history. Second, the Christmas story as told by Luke comes alive. They realize they are holding a true and authentic piece of history surrounding the Christmas story.
The Bible is not fiction. It is the most reliable historical record known to mankind. Everything about the birth and life of Jesus Christ is historically verifiable fact. The whole Bible is true and trustworthy.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“1) Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2) This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3) And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5) in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” Luke 2:1-5
Luke, being an historian attached the birth of Jesus to a secular event. It happened that Caesar Augustus ordered that a census be taken of the whole inhabited world. Leaders strike their pride by the size of their Kingdom.
Because Joseph was from the city of David called Bethlehem, he and Mary had to travel back from Galilee to register. Both he and Mary were from the house and family of David.
This fact is significant because Biblical prophecy taught that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and would be born in Bethlehem. And so, more biblical prophecy was unfolding. The stage was being set.
The intriguing part of this story is that God used a secular ruler to help fulfill a Divine injunction. It intrigues me who God uses to accomplish His Divine purpose.
This story has a special meaning for me. Shortly after the Iron Curtain came down, I was participating in mission trip in Slovakia. My host was a history buff. So I asked him if we could find something to remind me of ancient history. He has the perfect idea.
He took me to a coin store and asked the owner if he had any ancient coins. He smiled and shortly produced a tray of coins. My host then asked, “Do you have any connected to Biblical history?” He smiled and brought out another tray. It was amazing!
Then he picked up one coin in particular and said, “This is my prize coin.” As I looked at the coin, the bust of the Caesar was still visible. On the back was the inscription, “Caesar Augustus.” Yes, it was the very Caesar Augustus who decreed that a census be taken of the whole inhabited world that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
I walked out of that coin store as the new owner of a piece of history. What did it cost me? Far less than its apologetic value to me over the years.
Sometimes when I preach the Christmas story, I pass the coin around for the congregation to view. It is amazing to watch believers and skeptics alike when they hold that coin on their hand.
Two things happen. First, their eyes light up as they realize they are holding an undeniable piece of history. Second, the Christmas story as told by Luke comes alive. They realize they are holding a true and authentic piece of history surrounding the Christmas story.
The Bible is not fiction. It is the most reliable historical record known to mankind. Everything about the birth and life of Jesus Christ is historically verifiable fact. The whole Bible is true and trustworthy.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
