And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed ~ Luke 2:1.
Introduction:
Christmas season is here again! Of course, this is one of the greatest seasons of all times, with lots of pomp and pageantry, as well as lively recollections of communal joy, tasteful meals, bright lights, new clothes with a kaleidoscope of colours, surprising gifts, and so on. Yes, all these stem from the real reason for the season — Jesus Christ — the all-surpassing and the Transcendent Gift from our Heavenly Father (John 3:16).
The first Christmas was really a culmination of God’s plans and events that began even before the earth was created (Romans 5:14-17; Titus 1:2). Hence, we need to constantly refresh ourselves with the important lessons of the first Christmas that have held several generations of men and women in their sway.
One of such lessons is the fact that God is more powerful than any obstacle, bigger than any setback, and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond what you could ever imagine. Even in the shakes we sometimes experience, He works to awaken us unto the fulfillment of His ancient plans for our lives.
According to God’s holy and infallible Word, Jesus Christ was to be born in Bethlehem of Judaea (Micah 5:2). But, His parents were living in Nazareth of Galilee at the period of His birth.
Although Micah who foretold Jesus’ birthplace was a minor prophet, but because he spoke God’s Word, his prophecy came to pass exactly as he foretold it. Once it is written, it must come to pass!
Jesus must be born in Bethlehem, hence God constrained Caesar Augustus, the Emperor of the then Roman world, to issue a decree that forced everyone, including Joseph and Mary his wife, back to their places of origin (Luke 2:1-7). The whole world was shaken and moved to line up with the spoken Word of God (Psalm 89:34; Isaiah 44:25-26).
Amazingly, God still thinks and plans for us, even in our low estate, to fulfill His expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). And, as He did at first Christmas, God can still cause governments and peoples far and near to make decisions that will bring to pass all His precious promises concerning our lives. He can still shake nations, move people and command the hands of destiny to favor His own people.
God even, sometimes, finds the need to shake us up, just to awaken us to the accomplishment of our destiny. It is still “God supplying your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)!
Don’t murmur therefore, when you see shakings. Rather trust God and see Him at work even in the rough experiences of your life. Where you are presently may be because of where you are going eventually, and what you are seeing today may be because of what you will experience tomorrow. God understands the paths you take. In everything, just give Him thanks!
Conditioning Your Experiences With God
Those for whom God will shake the earth and collapse the tables, and those who will live very long even after they are gone beyond must be people who are trained in the spirit realm to look up to God, constantly (Genesis 13:14).
Occasionally, you may look around you and see daunting impossibilities and very challenging circumstances in life. Naturally, certain things may even look like they won’t ever change. But God is saying, “today, quit looking at your circumstances and look up! Lift up your eyes of faith and look beyond where you are, because there is victory as far as the eye can see”.
Until you look beyond yourself, you may never find what is beyond you. David learned this secret early in life, so he chose to look up to God constantly, affirming that real help comes only from that direction (Psalms 121:1). No wonder then that his accomplishments have remained legendary, and he has even refused to “die” because he cannot be “forgotten” easily.
We must also love God unflinchingly, above others, in order to secure the help of God beyond words. Why? God can only make all things to work for your utmost good and glory if you choose, above all others, to love Him and fulfill His purpose for your life (Romans 8:28).
Yes indeed, how thoroughly you love God in your thoughts, words and actions will determine how far God will cause all things to work for your utmost good, glory and greatness. And, how well you truly live to fulfill God’s purpose for your life above every other selfish interest will determine how far God will move all things and shake all people for your glorious fulfillment.
Jesus Christ was “Very God”, but He was also “Very Man” during His earthly walk here. However, He was also a Nonesuch-Noble-Man because He lived a life that fulfilled God’s purpose in all ramifications. “Lo, I come”, He said, “(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). What a life with no equal, a life unparalleled!
If God must move the heavens and the earth in favour of any man, as He did at first Christmas, such a man must again rely on His Mercy, and live a life that glorifies and justifies God’s Everlasting Covenant (Psalms 89:20-29).
David did this by worshiping and serving the Lord wholeheartedly, and he attracted divine honours and God’s unfailing anointing. If you are not serving God and winning souls for Christ in your own corners today, you are not pleasing Him nor working for Him. You are “self-employed” and, therefore, unqualified for the Master’s Pay!
God made His covenant with us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:24). His Mercy keeps forever over our lives, and this is the reason we are alive, doing well and can even make plans for a brighter tomorrow. He holds the Masterplan to His chest, and He is absolutely true to His covenant and Sure Mercies. He is for us, and He is never going to give up on us.
Friends and brethren, in any situation you find yourself, please believe this, that God always has a place of victory in store for you, even today! Those things you are facing today are only temporary, but our Father-God Almighty is eternal. He is the God who spoke the world into existence, and set the stars in space.
Look beyond your circumstances and focus your gaze in the right direction. Lift up your eyes and look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He shall soon make you a voice of positive impact to your generation, and you will access a new dimension of signs and wonders. Amen. Happy Sunday and Merry Christmas in advance!
- Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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