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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Luke 2:1-2
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
His given name was Octavian, the adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, Octavian shared the throne with his brother, Antony. However, Antony fell under the spell of an Egyptian queen named Cleopatra. After Antony and Cleopatra were married, they set out to defeat Octavian for the sole power of the empire.
At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra. After the battle, they fled to Egypt and committed suicide. That left Octavian as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire—the Caesar. Shortly afterward he was named, “The Chief Citizen of the Roman Republic” and given the name Augustus. Caesar Augustus ruled the world…or so he thought.
The sovereign God used Augustus to move his chosen couple from Nazareth to Bethlehem. As the Proverb says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1).
Talking to God
Lord, you have always been and will always be over every king and country. Help my confidence to rest in your power and sovereign work. In your name. Amen.
For parents: This passage is a great way to help your children place the birth of Jesus in a historical setting. Do some research on the Battle of Actium and the plight of Antony and Cleopatra and share what you learn with your family. Let us know how your conversation unfolds from there. Email us at prayer@ronmoore.org.
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