Taxes

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed." Luke 2:1

Many of us have learned or memorized this from the Christmas programs throughout the years. We even recognize that because of this, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to be counted. Seems like a cruel thing for such a young couple to endure.

This decree, however, put Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth and thus, the fulfilling of Micah 5:2 - "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

So, God used Caesar Augustus and his desire to tax the people to bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures.

As our politicians argue about those taxes that we hate, I have to wonder how God will use this.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28