“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria” (Luke 2:1-2).
The Lord gives us specificity. Time and place are given so that we can know this is no fable, but something that has happened in history. The world wants to deny what God has done, but we have a Lord who is very intentional about all things. He is also very intentional about you. He placed you where you are in time and place. Our Lord has plans for each one of us.
Lord, I sometimes think that everything is random. Here you show me how specific You are in choosing the time and place for the birth of Jesus. Help me to understand that You are very intentional with the things You say and do. Help me to realize that when You say You have a plan, that it is not some generic thing, but a specific plan for my life and for who I will be in the life to come.
Lord Jesus, Scripture gives a report of Your birth such that no matter how they may try, the skeptics cannot disprove the history. You have prepared the way through this skeptical world. Help me to follow You so that I may know that Your plans are eternal and good. Lord, You have given me the words of eternal life. Help me to hear Your words and learn as they transform me. Amen.
