Two-Minute Manna

Whether we are speaking of the pharaohs of Egypt or the kings of Babylon, the chairman in China or the president of America, any ruler is there only as God allows him to be (John 19:10-11). In reality, although they seem powerful in our perspective, they’re really only puppets for God’s sovereign purpose.

Caesar Augustus was one of the greatest leaders of all time - at least in the eyes of man. When he decided to tax the whole world, he no doubt felt potent as he ordered the entire world to go to the cities of their birth. In reality, however, who was pulling the strings of Caesar Augustus’ heart? God. You see, when Jesus was about to be born, Mary was in the Galilee area in the city of Nazareth. Yet Micah had declared that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David (5:2). So what would compel Mary and Joseph to make the journey to Bethlehem? God the Father simply pulled the strings of His puppet, Caesar Augustus, to order everyone to their home towns to be taxed. And in so doing, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, perfectly fulfilling Micah’s prophecy.

Because God is on the throne, we don’t have to panic about government policies. Yes, we are to pray for our leaders. Yes, we are to be engaged as citizens of this country. But we’re not to perspire, pout, panic, or plot. Instead, we’re to pray, knowing that God is in complete control. And as we do, we’ll be at peace.