Out of the multiplicity of difficulties of COVID-19 will flow abundant blessings in the years ahead

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:11

On a recent talk show, mention was made as to it does not matter in some cases what the politics of the time may be, as long as what is taking place is done in the best interest of the people. Agreed, but someone has to make the edict on behalf of the people. History must record the circumstances surrounding what has taken place, and later on the blame or credit must be placed at the feet of who is or was in charge at that time.

All through history, whether good or bad, events leaders were involved and responsible. Chronicled in holy word are the acts and deeds of the kings. Some did evil in the sight of the Lord, and others, good. Luke in this second chapter removes all fear and doubt as to who was responsible for taxation; it was not the United States of America Internal Revenue Section. The forefathers trusted in God and took their cue from God’s word as to how a country should be run. There had to be taxation. Caesar made the decree and the governor at that time, Cyrenius was responsible for it being carried out.

Most of the civilized world was under the rule of Emperor Caesar Augustus. He was highly honored as a great benefactor and the world enjoyed peace under his reign. However, while he was able to give peace to the land and sea, war raged in the hearts of men as they struggled with grief, envy and passion. Like in our times, while faces are calm and movements are methodical, within the hearts of many, there are tsunami waves of greed, malice, covetousness and strife.

Could one evade taxation when mighty Caesar spoke? Could some pay and others be exempted? Do you think if you were decreed to pay inn tax, tent tax, land tax, boat tax, road tax, donkey tax and tax the tax, could you ignore Caesar the tax man? Why do you think Matthew, the tax collector, was hated before he became a disciple? Taxation, is a call to national obedience and responsibility.

What a lesson in discipline for a people Luke chronicles in our text. A call to any government office asking how much is owing in taxes from many of the citizens of the land would be such a figure that difficulty would be heard as to the calling of the amount. God’s word demands that we must firstly honor Caesar, and pay him what is owed. How many are disrespectful of Caesar while at the same time taking no heed to national obedience. Those who are disciplined in paying Caesar should have no problem in paying God what is due to Him.

Joseph and Mary’s obedience to Caesar’s law, though rough and tumble, fulfilled the prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah over 700 years before Caesar’s demand, “For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

It is my prayer at this very special season of the year, we honor God and His word. Out of the multiplicity of difficulties of COVID-19 will flow abundant blessings in the years ahead.

• E-mail haystreet241@gmail.com or rubyanndarling@yahoo.com. Write to P.O. Box 19725 SS Nassau, Bahamas, with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God’s blessings.   

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