Pax Romana
News flash! I love Christmas!
You’d think I’d get tired of rereading the Bible stories, but I don’t. Every year, I find some new nugget to ponder.
The other day after Pastor Marc’s sermon, I was reading the prophecies concerning Jesus’ identity and time of arrival.
Nerd Alert! And maybe a hint of a political statement. Whether you are on the right side of the aisle or the wrong side, I mean the left, it doesn’t really matter in the end. What happens is not up to illegal voting machines. It is up to God alone! Let me explain.
Caesar Augustus made a decree that all should be taxed. (Some things never change!) He was a cruel, heartless killer, but he brought about a wide ranging empire that resulted in prophecies being fulfilled. Because of an evil regime, Jesus was born at the right place, Bethlehem. Because of the Pax Romana, the empire would become the perfect stage for the quick, effective spread of the Good News, the Truth of God’s Word, His love for mankind by sending God in the flesh – Jesus – to sacrifice Himself for our sin, and His resurrection so that He is forever the mediator between God and man. Boom! God knows exactly what’s going on and how everything will fit into His plan!
The other prophecy ‘proof’ that God has this whole thing figured is in this.
For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of His father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven’s armies has dedicated Himself to do it! Isaiah 9 TLB
You see, this earth and its governments are here and gone, but God’s Kingdom is eternal! Let that give you peace this season. If you are a believer, you are a citizen of an eternal Kingdom. Rejoice!
Maranatha
Blessings
KB
