The Power of One

"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child."

Luke 2:1-5

Caesar Augustus has commanded that a census be taken of the Roman Empire for the purpose of taxation. The man who has declared himself the emperor no doubt feels quite powerful to have his decree obeyed by the "inhabited earth" without hesitation. But the real power lies in the hands of God Almighty. Joseph and Mary must be in Bethlehem when Jesus is born. This is necessary  to fulfill the prophesy (Micah 5:2) that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. God uses Caesar Augustus to accomplish His purpose. Since Joseph is of the line of David, he is obligated to go to Bethlehem -- an 80 mile journey -- to register. He takes Mary, soon to give birth, with him. The Savior of the world is about to be born in the little town of Bethlehem. God's promise of a Savior will be fulfilled. Prophesy will be fulfilled. All through the Power of One.