The world had ringside seats for the recent election of the next U.S. President, often called ‘the most powerful man in the world.’ Powerful the US President might be, but only One Man has ever said, ‘I lay down my life and I take it up again’ and actually rose from the dead!
I will I tell my children and grandchildren about the One Who really controls the future - the One Who presides over ALL. ‘In God we trust’ appears on all U.S. currency, a theme drawn directly from Scripture: ‘In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?’ (Psa 56:11). I can embrace this declaration with confidence.
‘Where is He, born King of the Jews?’ Threatened by this quest of the Magi, King Herod slaughtered all the baby boys in Bethlehem. But God protected the baby Jesus from this ruthless ruler, warning the Magi in a dream, then warning Joseph to take Mary and the baby to Egypt. Yes, ‘In God I Trust!’
The Emperor Augustus was ‘the most powerful man in the world’ at the time of Jesus’ birth, even taking the title ‘Son of God’! But God was at work. It was the census ordered by Augustus that forced Joseph to Bethlehem where Mary delivered the baby. Caesar Augustus was oblivious to the purposes of God who brought about the fulfillment of Micah 5:2, quoted to direct the Magi: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Matt 2: 6) – spoken by the prophet Micah, 700 years before the birth of Jesus!
The early Christians understood that calling Jesus ‘Lord and King’ was a direct challenge to Caesar. For the early Christians, there was only One Lord and only One King, the Divine Son of God, Jesus the Christ. Their courage in the face of death is testimony enough to the truth of their proclamation.
Isaiah prophesied: ‘ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.’ (Isaiah 9:6, 7)
This prophecy has proven true. Herod is gone, Caesar is gone, the Roman Empire is no more, but there are more people following King Jesus than ever! His is the best election - He is the greatest King. And I have ringside seats celebrating His birth! I will join the millions, upon millions, upon millions, who enter into this season of joy and worship. I look forward to His return to finish the work He started, and I will carry on with the work He wants me to do until then.
‘In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?’
So, Merry Christmas to all, and His Blessings in the New Year. For the EMCC National Team.
Pastor Phil