Government or rulers’ decisions or diktats or policies can bring remarkable good for people and also untold misery. For example, lower caste women in Southern part of India were not allowed to wear upper body garments. When some of them became Christians, they defied the social tradition and were persecuted. Then the policy or edit of Colonel Munro in 1822 granted them right to wear garments as they like to cover their bodies. This policy brought blessing to women in India for the past two centuries.
Caesar Augustus passed a law that all citizens should be registered in their hometown. Hence Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to be registered. (Luke 2:4-7) “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1) God is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As the Sovereign ruler, he overrules all human actions. A policy decision could be taken according to the context and need of the government. However, these actions facilitate the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan and purpose.
When Caesar Augustus passed a decree, he was doing that with his knowledge, information and need. However, God turned the same policy decision to bring to pass his prophecy. According to Micah the prophet, Lord Jesus would be born in the city of Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) The policy decision of the Government compelled Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Most probably Joseph and Mary were not conscious that they were fulfilling the prophecy of Micah by journeying to Bethlehem. God’s timing was perfect. Mary gave birth to Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. God uses all events and persons in history to fulfill his purpose, plan, prophecies and promises.
God’s purposes and plans are progressively fulfilled in the world and moves towards ultimate fulfillment of His coming. Whether it is justice or equality or righteousness, liberty, God intervenes in history and in absolute Sovereign Lord over history
Do I understand God’s Sovereign rule over humanity?