God Uses Rome to Tax Israel

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

Steps: 11, 12

God promised in Daniel 11:20 that a raiser of taxes would come up and sure enough prophecy was fulfilled. Caesar Augustus, the king of Rome, was raised up and he passed a tax for the whole then known world. God used this king to accomplish this so that His son would be moved from Nazareth to Bethlehem so that the prophecy of Micah 5:2 would be fulfilled. God had stated that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and God would see that it happened according to His will for He had seen it in the future. Isaiah 46:9-10. All of these prophecies had to come to pass to be sure that people could trust God’s Word. Trust is very important to God and to His children. When God promises something you can take it to the bank for God can be trusted. So when He says something to you and I we can trust it and do it and we will be blest. We may still suffer but in the end we will receive the blessing. Daniel 3:15-18

Prayer for Today: God, we fear that you will tell us something specific about ourselves and then we will have to believe and obey. We say we want to know the truth and then get all frustrated when You tell us the truth. Help us to have victory in these areas so that we can see Your power and great deliverance for us. Help us to love You so much that we have victory over our fears, for You have told us that perfect love removes all fear. Help us to experience this victory.