The first Roman Emperor, Augustus, had no idea that he was being led by the Spirit of God when it occurred to him to make this crazy decree. Throughout the entire Roman Empire everyone was to return to their ancestral home, to be enrolled in a census, just because the Emperor said so.

It certainly promoted tourism. It filled up all the lodging places available for travelers, and caused a lot of movement on the roads. It caused a lot of inconvenience and economic hardship for countless people. And somewhere far away from Rome in a town that Augustus Caesar didn't know existed, it caused Mary to have her baby, born in a stable behind the inn, and one more detail of prophecy was fulfilled.

Governing authorities, whether they are good or bad, are tools in God’s hand. He will accomplish His purpose and fulfill His Word in, with, by means of, or in spite of them.

We can rest, knowing this. We can treat them with respect for their office, even on those occasions when we are obligated by God’s command to disobey them. And we can pray for them, that God would bring His servants into line with His will, whether they know it or not.

Father, I know that You are the King of the Universe and that every governing authority ultimately responds to You. Guide the authorities under whom we live, so that we can live in peace and security, so that good is rewarded and evil repressed, and Your Word can be proclaimed freely among us. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles