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December 14

Title: The Providence of God

Text: Luke 2:1-4

What is the providence of God? Here is a good definition: 

"The providence of God is the working of God’s sovereignty to continually uphold, guide, and care for his creation."

Of course, the providence of God would be on full display making a way for the birth of the Messiah. But when the providence of God seems clear and obvious — especially to fulfill a prophecy made by the prophet Micah — 700 years earlier, it causes us to be in awe of God’s power. 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2) 

So, the King of Kings is going to come from Bethlehem. But the current residence of Mary and Joseph is Nazareth. Therefore, we have a bit of a dilemma—from a human standpoint. But nothing is too big for God—look below. 

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. (Luke 2:1-4)

But why did Joseph have to go? Keener is helpful here. 

“Pottery samples suggest a recent migration of the people from Bethlehem area to Nazareth around this time; Joseph’s legal residence is apparently still Bethlehem, where he had been raised.” (Craig Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary, 183)

Beale offers more insight below.

“A later census schedule, beginning in 6 AD, required land owners to return to their home towns (where they owned land) every 15 years for purposes of taxation and accounting. In light of this, we can postulate that Joseph owned land—probably inherited—from when his forefathers (well after the return from Babylon) lived in Bethlehem.” (G.K. Beale, Commentary on the New Testament, 266).

Now did Jesus have to be born in Bethlehem? I mean—would the prophecy still be fulfilled since Joseph did originate from Bethlehem? At some level, I guess. But there would be a sliver of doubt. God decided to not leave any room for doubt. He orchestrated the events so Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. 

The providence of God is just as supernatural as a public miracle. I think we forget this. Only the Creator has the omnipotence to organize events to fulfill His plan—all the while, allowing the free will of mankind to stay intact. Either way, watching His providential hand at work should cause us to cry out, “Wow! God is amazing! He will always do what He says.” This reinforces that God is trustworthy. So trust Him today. 11 days until Christmas.