Welcome to Day 152 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional! This series is about finding nourishment in the Word of God to get us through the day. In each devotional, I take a variety of scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses each) and build our understanding of what they teach via their context and connecting scripture. My goal is to help you understand how to be the type of human God created you to be.

Today’s passage is Luke 2:1. Let’s discuss this census before Jesus’ birth.

Luke 2:1

NASB	NLT	VOICE
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.	1 At that time the Roman Emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.	1 Around the times of Elizabeth’s amazing pregnancy and John’s birth, the emperor in Rome, Caesar Augustus, required everyone in the Roman Empire to participate in a massive census –

Luke is the only Gospel writer who related his recorded events to world history. His account was addressed to predominantly Greek-speaking audiences who would have been interested in and familiar with the political situation at the time. Palestine was under the rule of the Roman Empire, and Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was in charge. The Roman rulers, considered gods, stood in contrast to the tiny baby in a manger who was truly God in the flesh.

A Roman census (registration) was taken to aid in military recruitment and tax collection. The Jews weren’t required to serve in the Roman army, but they couldn’t avoid paying taxes. Augustus’s decree went out in God’s perfect timing and according to God’s perfect plan to bring His Son into the world. How fitting that this census comes before the birth of Jesus. It shows us how concerned Caesar was about the coming Messiah. This baby was already becoming a threat to the throne, and they wanted to ensure they were prepared for whatever battle would be on their hands. The Roman rulers believed they were like God, so the rumors that this baby was God again affirmed their concerns about the future child. We don’t have to find concern. We can find hope, joy, peace, and love.

BREATHE IN: Don’t be afraid…

BREATHE OUT: …the Lord is here.

Until next time, stay blessed!