The Emperor’s Decree

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Luke 2:1-5

1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. (Luke 2:1-5 NLT)

It was not the best of times for the Roman Emperor, Augustus! The Empire had been expanding rapidly by invasions and conquests, and Rome’s military forces were spread pretty thin. The costs of maintaining control were through the roof! The financial crisis in Rome meant that the Emperor had to do something quick to increase revenues, so he decreed an Empire-wide census for the purpose of levying a bucket-load of new taxes! Everyone from everywhere was affected in some way, and to some extent.

There are always decisions being made and actions taken by those in power over which we have no control, but that have consequences we must face and deal with. Some of them affect us in incidental ways and we merely have to make some adjustments. Some of them impact us deeply and permanently!

Currently, in the US, the increasing cost of maintaining our wired and connected and comfortable lifestyles has many of us making financially-based choices. Some of us are choosing whether we can take a winter vacation to somewhere warm, and some are choosing whether to keep the heat on in the house or keep food on the table. Some who can no longer remain in their homes are choosing whether to sleep in their car or try to find a bed for the night in a shelter.

In other places people are deciding whether to stay where they are and face racial and religious and political persecution, or become refugees in another place and try to make a new home and life. We must remember when we feel powerless and frustrated by the decisions and actions of those in power, there are others for whom the consequences of these things are immediate and permanent!

Prayer:

Father, Please help us to have a “Bigger Picture Perspective”! Help us to be aware of what others are facing and care about them and carry part of their burden if we can. Fill our hearts with love and compassion for others. For Jesus’ sake, Amen!