Luke 2:1-7
It has been said that the only sure things in life are death and taxes.
We can't even escape it when reading the Scriptures. Luke 2:1 tells us, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." Imagine every time you had to pay your taxes that you had to travel to your hometown, in person, to pay the taxes. Now, for some that have lived in the same area all their lives, this isn't a big deal, and even in this day of modern transportation, it might be an inconvenience to have to hop a flight to travel. Think about what that meant back then—some of these people had to travel hundreds of miles on foot, just to pay taxes! This was a huge ordeal—yes, even a battle for money and control, waged by the reigning Roman government at the time. Imagine if you were in Joseph's and Mary's shoes, who had to take weeks, even months, out of their everyday lives so they could travel hundreds of miles across the desert on foot and by donkey, only to pay taxes. When they finally reach their destination (Bethlehem), guess what? Everyone else is traveling as well, so all of the hotels are booked, and they have to shack up in an old barn! On top of all of that, Mary is pregnant—VERY pregnant. This would have turned into a huge lawsuit (or at least a dramatic reality TV show) if it had happened today!
The story doesn't end there, however. Praise God it didn't, or this would have all been for nothing. Verse 6 tells us that Mary's time came, and she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. This wasn't just any baby boy; oh no, this was Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, who came to save the world! Wow, talk about a dramatic ending (beginning is more like it)! The Romans might have been in control of the Jewish people and their currency, but God brings the greatest weapon of all, Jesus, who came to conquer death and Satan's control on the earth.
I think the statement at the top of the page might be highly inaccurate. God has control over death, and all the tax money in the world can't stop His love for His people. Indeed, the ONLY sure thing in life is GOD! Seek Him this day, and allow His Love and Mercy to reign in your life today!
~ Eric Frantz
