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8 Days of God's Gift Giving
by turtle
Luke 2:1-7 KJV
(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a
decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor
of Syria.)
(3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(4) 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:)
(5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child.
(6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered.
(7) 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.
This morning I been digging into the history of the Governor
Cyrenius of Syria. Caesar Augustus was the one that set out the
decree that the world should be tax. The problem arises in history
was Cyrenius governor Syria at this time. The fact that he had no
ruling authority over Israel, King Herod did, I honestly can not say
I see a reason for this bit of information, except it causes
historians to dig a little deeper into history to prove that Governor
Cyrenius served two terms and not just once in Syria. Apparently
their ruling system was a little different then those around them.
Kingship and governorship were until death in other countries.
The point is this when one begins to dig for facts surround our
Lord, history and kingships would be important. Caesar August
was over most of the known world, the part that was not in this
taxation would have been Syria. This distinction is perhaps made
at this time.
God’s precious Son would be born in a manager because there
would be no room in inn. No room in motel, hotel, or other
descent accommodations. The best that could be found was
hostelry, a place to house the horses, a keeper of horses. Is not
Christ envisioned on a white horse as a Calvary man or horse
soldier. He was born in stable and laid in a manger. This is not to
say it was only a horse barn, but barn that house animals that
perhaps traveled, maybe part of inn’s business. The innkeeper
would have had perhaps chickens, sheep and cows. We do not
know. However we know there was no room in the inn. If anyone
watch westerns you know that it often displays the cowboy
sleeping with his horse. One can only assume Mary rode a
donkey or horse to Bethlehem because her husband would have
had financial means as a carpenter. We know that Joseph was a
carpenter for it speaks of it later in scripture.
Surrounding this story we see a humble beginning and a royal
banner in place. A king of nobility remaining with is steed.
Sleeping as soldier in a barn. Breathing the life of not just a king,
religious leader but also the soldier. The poverty level of sleeping
in a barn, no for Joseph was there to pay his tax in Bethlehem,
yet he would pay a poverty sin sacrifice for Mary because of the
birth of Jesus to the temple, two turtle doves to be exact. The
family was not rich in stature, but in love and prophecy
surrounding this special baby, who name was Jesus.
As we continue our countdown through the Christmas story may
we remember the greatest gift God gave the world and that was
His Son Jesus, born according to prophesy, by the Spirit of
Prophesy. Jesus a unique gift for He would take away the sins of
the people. Proving his time of birth is not difficult, it proving who
was in leadership at the time leads one to some soul searching of
historical facts surrounding the birth. Do you need proof? History
and leaders is part of that proof.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the greatest gift your Son
who would save the world from our sins if we will only receive
Him. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
http://www.turtle30cshell.com
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