THE INCARNATION OF JESUS

Joseph and Mary both lived in Nazareth, a city in the northern territory of Galilee. Bethlehem of Judea was in the southern of the three territories in which the land was then divided.

Jesus was prophecied to be born in Bethlehem, the city of David; as that was where David was born and reared. Micah is a prophet which tells us three great truths, Micah 5:2:

(1) this Bethlehem was rather insignificant:". . . little among the thousands of Judah,. . .".

(2) ". . . yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that shall be ruler in Israel; . . ". Two pronouns are significant: "he" means Jesus, and "me" is a reference to the Father, who is doing the speaking thru Micah the prophet.

(3 This "he" is One "whose goings have been of old, from everlasting." When this prophecy is completed, it will be: ". . . God was manifest in the flesh, . . ." I Timothy 3:16.

How to get Jesus born in Bethlehem of Judea is resolved by God's Sovereignty. One of the supreme desires of governors is always, then as now, to get more money. Taxation of the subjects is the surest way to accomplish this goal. Ceasar Augustus was struck with this 'greed fever' and ordered that the then known world should be taxed, Luke 2:1. Accordingly, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem of Judea because of his ancestry, Luke 2:3-4.

The Lord, thru Ceasar's 'greed fit', got Mary to the right spot for Jesus to be born in fulfillment of Micah's prophecy. Think of how many lives were disrupted by this taxation - - - also, think of how many lives have been touched by the birth of Christ at the right place, and to the right end: the salvation of our souls. Oh, how Onipotent is our God. And to our benefit, and His Glory. DDH.