FRIDAY December 22, 2023
The Journey to Bethlehem
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2:4-5
The long and tedious journey to Bethlehem had begun. Joseph and Mary had to leave their home because of a decree that went out from Caesar Augustus. Some scholars believe that this census was ordered so taxes could be extracted from the people, making it a time of great oppression:
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city (Luke 2:1-3).
Again, for Joseph and Mary, their city was Bethlehem. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Imagine how difficult and harsh this journey must have been for Mary, because she was nearing the time of her Baby’s birth. The Scriptures reveal she was “great with child” (Luke 2:5 KJV).
Joseph and Mary went about 90 miles over rough and rugged terrain, trusting God for the outcome of their difficult journey. They knew God was in control. He was leading them. Hundreds of years prior, the Prophet Micah, with absolute accuracy, spoke a prophecy about Jesus’ birthplace:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
Everything that was happening was aligning with the plans and purposes of God. In our lives this also holds true. No matter the journey ahead of you, trust God for the outcome. Learn to commit every situation to God, and trust Him for the outcome.
God’s love for you never changes, no matter what problems you face or how unsettled life becomes.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
