Government, Census & The Birth - Day 20

What if the most ordinary directive in your life is the doorway to God’s perfect timing? We open Luke 2:1–7 and watch a census from Caesar Augustus reroute Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, landing them in the exact place Micah promised the Messiah would be born. 

We explore the unity of Scripture by placing this quiet moment beside another census: David’s pride-fueled count in 2 Samuel 24 that brought heavy consequences. That contrast reveals how motives matter and how obedience especially when it looks inconvenient positions us for grace.

As we near Christmas, this reflection invites you to look again at the detours in your own story. Where might obedience in the ordinary be the very road to promise? Listen for encouragement rooted in Scripture, a prayer for alignment with God’s timing, and practical hope for the season.

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Podcast Music by: prazkhanal
Song: Whip

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Series Setup
• 0:45 Reading Luke 2:1–7
• 1:35 Prophecy And Humble Arrival
• 2:29 David’s Census Versus God’s Design
• 3:16 A Personal Detour With Purpose
• 5:15 Purpose In God’s Timing
• 6:11 Prayer And Reflection
• 6:37 Devotional CTA And Closing

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:00

Hello, hello, this is Jesse Morgan Devotions for the Christian Heart Podcast. Welcome, welcome. This year I'm bringing my 25-day Christmas devotional to life in a new way. Beginning on day 11 through day 25, each devotional entry now has a matching mini podcast episode, a simple 8 to 10 minute reflection designed to help you slow down and truly sit with the story of Jesus' birth. Each episode clearly follows the same day as the written devotional, so day 11 in the book is day 11 on the podcast and so forth. My hope is that these daily audio reflections make the journey to Christmas feel even more personal, peaceful, and meaningful. Thank you for being here. Let's go. The Census and the Savior Episode 87, Day 20, Luke 2, 1 through 7. In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while there was a governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judah, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house in the line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. Now, what I just love about the Bible is how deeply connected it is. The Old Testament is tied to the New Testament, and the New Testament fulfills the Old. Nothing stands alone, everything points to Jesus. When we read about Jesus' birth, it's told so simply. You know, there's no place, there's I mean, there's no palace, there's no parade, no royal announcement. Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because of a census. They slept outside, the baby was wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger. Joseph went to Bethlehem because he was from the line of David, and that's exactly where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. God didn't complicate it. Jesus came into the world humbly through a virgin with no earthly status attached. He grew up among his people quietly, only to later become the savior of the world. And when you really sit back and think about it, that's incredible. I also believe there's no such thing as coincidence in scripture or in our lives. When I read, when I read about the census during Jesus' birth, I always it always reminds me of another census in the Bible, one involving King David. In his later years, David ordered a census of Israel against God's instruction. His heart was rooted in pride and self-reliance rather than trusting in the Lord. As a result of that disobedience, God allowed a plague to come upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a consequence. This is in 2 Samuel 24. David was devastated, he fell to his knees, repented, and begged God for mercy. That story always sticks to me for some reason, just because of the concept of a census. So, anyways, now fast forward to Joseph and Mary. This census wasn't an act of disobedience by Joseph, it was ordained by God. Joseph followed direction placed before him, even though it was probably very inconvenient and uncomfortable. And look at what came from it. Because of that census, Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the exact place that Micah 5-2 prophesies the Messiah the Messiah would be born. If that census had never happened, Joseph would have wouldn't have gone to Bethlehem and the prophecy wouldn't have been fulfilled. Look at how God moves puzzle pieces. Look at how he uses systems, timing, and even government orders to fulfill divine promises. What once brought consequences and disobedience became a blessing through obedience. And I think about this in my own life. Back in 2013, 2014, about I was on and off with a guy. I dated other people, but I always found myself gravitating towards him. And truthfully, he was no good. He never wanted to commit, no effort, no follow-through. It was annoying and frustrating over the years. And at the time I was working at Macy's in Miami, my first year there. And one day my district vice president and district HR director told me that Harold Square in New York City, the flagship, wanted to interview me. I was blown away, shocked. I went to the interview, got the position, and I moved. Yes, it was an amazing career opportunity and move, but if I'm being honest with you today, and I've never said this, about 70% of me moved out of frustration and spite. I was tired of waiting on this guy who wasn't choosing me. I think my proximity, because he lived in Orlando, I lived in Miami, and being just three hours away, he i it it made him comfortable. Like, she'll always be there. When I told him I was moving to New York, he was stunned. And after that, the relationship fizzled out completely, and it was meant to. But if I hadn't moved, if I hadn't followed that unexpected, uncomfortable nudge or frustration I was going through, I wouldn't have never met the love of my life. God knew exactly what he was doing. He used a situation that didn't make sense to me at the time to lead me to my husband. And that's how God works. Sometimes the moves feel calculated, sometimes the direction feels odd, sometimes we're just saying, okay, Lord, I guess I'll go. But there is always purpose behind his instructions. Just like the census brought Joseph to Bethlehem at the perfect moment, God uses the details of our lives to bring about his promises to us. And now, here we are, just days away from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son. Thank you for the humble, intentional way Jesus entered this world. We thank you for your perfect timing, your obedience, your love. Jesus, we praise you for who you are and for the gift of your life. We love you and we honor you, Lord, and we praise you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Love you all. Till next time. Thank you for listening. This episode is part of my Christmas devotional series inspired by my written devotional, 25 Days Till Christmas, a scripture-filled journey preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I invite you to read along and reflect on his story in a deeper way. Details in the show notes for the written devotional. And it also says in Scripture, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill towards men. Luke 2.14. And don't miss the next reflection in this Christmas series by subscribing to the podcast to continue walking through God's Word this season. And a little bit about me. I'm Jesse Morgan, wife, mom, and devotional writer and podcaster who loves sharing biblical encouragement and the hope we find in Jesus. Till next time, Jesse Morgan signing off.