September 19, 2015: SOAP #2116

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 1: 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 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.

Observation: I have often wondered if God made the circumstances happen so that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem as prophesied. Or was God looking ahead, knowing what was going to happen, and foretold the circumstances into which Jesus would be born. Being God, He could have accomplished it either way, but I tend to think that God used the plans of men.

Application: I believe God knows the yet unseen consequences of my actions. How foolish of me not to yield to His will. At this point, the majority of my earthly life is behind me. I can look back and see how walking in God’s will benefited my life. Things I did not understand when they were happening now make perfect sense when viewed in the context of my whole life. How foolish I was to complain and to resist His will.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you know the end from the time of the beginning. I can trust you to lead me for my good and for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!