December 17, 2025 • 16 mins
Caesar’s decree for a nationwide census couldn’t come at a worse time for Mary and Joseph. But perhaps this journey to Bethlehem is exactly what God planned all along.
Today's Bible verse is Matthew 16:24, from the King James Version.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
If any one desires to come after me, let him
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew sixteen twenty four. Dear Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of Jesus, remind us of the profound journey
he embarked upon for our sake, a journey that called
(00:24):
for sacrifice, selflessness, and enduring love. This Christmas, as we
exchange gifts and share and festivities, may we also remember
the greatest gift of all, Christ, who came not just
to be born in a manger, but to lay down
(00:44):
his life for us. Empower us with the same mind
and will of Christ, who set aside his comforts to
carry his cross. Show us every day how to follow
in the footsteps of Jesus, serving and loving those around us.
(01:06):
Thank you for the priceless gift of your son and
the invitation to follow him. Fill our hearts with gratitude, love,
and true joy this Christmas. In the precious name of Jesus,
we pray Amen.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
The winds of change swept across Israel with increasing fervor.
It was as if the very breath of God stirred
the dust between the Roman ruled province whispering of a
tumults yet to unfold. Rebellion and discord, long smoldering in
the hearts of the oppressed Hebrews, started to spark. A
group of rebels known as the dagger Men, grew by
(01:52):
the day. Some knew them by a different name, the Zealots.
They were men of tact, skill and secrecy. By Roman
hatred and a desire to usher in Israeli independence, they
assassinated some of Caesar's highest ranking officials.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
They were growing in.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Number and needed to be stopped. Caesar Augustus, ruling from
the heart of the Roman Empire, was not ignorant of
these Daggermen. His eyes, though distant, were sharp, and his
paranoia simmered alongside the rebellion. He had not risen to
power by being ignorant. In a move uncharacteristic of Roman custom,
(02:31):
he issued a decree, one that both revealed his desperation
for control and reflected his fear of the burgeoning unrest.
Each individual under Roman rule, from the richest aristocrat to
the poorish shepherd, was to be counted in a census.
But it was not to be an ordinary census. No,
this one bore the insidious mark of Caesar's paranoia. The
(02:55):
people were required to return to their ancestral homes the
towns of their forefathers to day be registered and accounted for.
To execute this decree, Caesar dispatched Courineus, the stirred and
unwavering governor of Syria.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
We cannot stop.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
These sealds unless we disorganize them, Caesar told Corinius. Therefore,
we will force every man to travel uproot them and
their families. This will make them vulnerable. Corineus agreed and
immediately began preparations to force the census upon the people
(03:31):
of Israel.
Speaker 5 (03:35):
I'm so glad you've joined us on the Bible in
a Year podcast today, But before we get to today's episode,
I want you to know that I would absolutely love
to send you my daily devotional that will give you
fresh encouragement every single morning and day from the moment
we wake up to the moment our head finally hits
the pillow. There are thousands of things demanding our attention,
(04:00):
but it's in the midst of all this crush and
hustle and bustle that you and I need peace and
truth in God's Word. That's why I want to help
you spend time each day growing in God's life giving,
life changing word by sending you my free daily email
devotional PowerPoint Today. So visit Jagraham dot org to sign
(04:21):
up for your PowerPoint Today devotional. That's Jagraham dot org
Jack Graham dot org. This episode begins Mary and Joseph's
journey to Bethlehem, the harrowing journey that will test their
faith and stamina. It was prophesied that the Messiah would
(04:42):
be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. For Jesus
to be born in Bethlehem, God had to use the
geopolitical struggles of the time. The political landscape of Israel
during this time was wrought with civil unrest, corruption, and conspedraing.
The harsh hand of Caesar on the people of Israel
(05:04):
caused many radical Jewish factions to rise. One of the
more infamous groups was the Daggermen, also known as the Zealous. Simon,
one of Jesus's twelve disciples, was one of those men.
This story speculates that they might be the reason for
the census. Although it is speculation, historical clues suggest it's
(05:26):
a possibility. Historians have wrestled with the historical accuracy of
Luke's account of the census, so scholars are forced to
speculate reasons why the censues occurred. Our story today is
speculation for the sake of storytelling, but it isn't outside
the realm of possibility. Rome's relationship with the Jewish nation
(05:49):
was complex and dysfunctional. They saw Rome as another oppressive
ruler like Babylon. As a result, the Jews were riled
up with a renewed prophetic passion for the Messiah to
come and deliver them. This was the stage that was
set for the coming of Jesus. Even amid all the
(06:10):
madness of culture, God was on the move. We believe
in a God who contame chaos and bring beauty from ashes.
As the Nativity story intensifies, look for God's hidden hand
of providence. Genesis chapter fifty, verse twenty reminds us that
what men in tend for evil, God can use for good.
(06:34):
This census strained the Jewish people, but God would use
it to bring about their redemption. Let's hop back into
the story now. Joseph is about to receive the news
that he must uproot Mary in her pregnancy's late stages.
What will he do? How will he respond when the
pressure mounts. Let's find out now. In this dramatic telling
(06:56):
of Luke chapter two, verses one through fivewards will unpack
the story to find Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Corneus was not a beloved man. He carried very little
about being loved or admired. He wanted their fear. If
he could not gain their fear, their respect would be
a consolation. Corneus journeyed to every major city in Israel
with a battalion of soldiers. They flooded town squares, marketplaces,
and city gates with Caesar's demands.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
He by order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Corneus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(08:05):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem. Joseph
approached one of the Roman soldiers.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Sir, my wife is nearly nine months pregnant. She can't
make the journey to Bethlehem in her condition.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
She'll the soldier shouted, shoving Joseph to the ground. It's
command is from Caesar himself. If you fail to obey,
you will face the rod of Perneus. Joseph looked up
at the soldier and then at Charineus on his dark horse.
Joseph clenched his fist and looked away. He knew better
than to pick a fight, especially when Mary was depending
(08:41):
on him. The soldier spat at Joseph's feet and walked away.
Joseph picked up his tools and went back home. He
walked the dusty path to their humble home, wondering how
he would afford the journey to Bethlehem. He entered through
the door slowly. Mary was inside, weaving together blankets for
Jesus and humming lullabies. Her gentle and quiet grace enraptured Joseph.
(09:03):
His heart ached that he had to uproot her from
the comfort of their home, Mary, he said gently. He
knelt down beside her and held her hand.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
A decree has come from Cayarinius. We have to depart
from here to Bethlehem for a census. I don't know
why this has come now, but I swear I will
protect you and the child. We will find a way
to get there safely.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Mary's eyes were fogged with fear and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
How Joseph, at best, it's a two week journey, and
all the carts for merchants will be used up.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Mary was rightfully concerned. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
was not a straightforward journey. There were vast valleys and
hills to pass. Additionally, the frenzy of the census would
be in banded stalking lone travelers. Joseph felt helpless. They
didn't have enough money to pay for a wagon to
taxi them, nor did they have a donkey for Mary
(09:58):
to ride on. Such things were out of reach for
a humble craftsman like Joseph. He didn't know how to proceed.
Mary held Joseph's face and pressed her forehead against his.
They closed their eyes and shared a somber moment of
love and prayer. Joseph stood up and wiped a tear
from his eye.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I'll be back. I have to do something.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Joseph grabbed his tools and left. He rounded the alley
beside his home down to the market. There was no
way Mary could endure the road to Bethlehem and her condition.
If Joseph was going to keep her safe, he needed
to provide her with a donkey to ride on. The
marketplace was chaotic with people desperately haggling for supplies. Many
(10:41):
people had journeys to plan for. Joseph knocked on the
door of the blacksmith, who was a large and surly man,
uninterested in people and more interested in things.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
Lord Joseph, my boy.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
He said, with a raspy voice.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
If you are here to ask for another discount on dear,
I'm afraid you're out of luck.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Joseph placed his large leather bag of tools on the table.
I am here to sew you my tools. The blacksmith's
eyes widen. A craftsman like Joseph was only as valuable
as the tools he used.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
What is the meaning of.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
This, he asked.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Joseph ignored the question, holding back any cues that he
was greatly distressed at the thought of selling his livelihood.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
How much will you give me?
Speaker 2 (11:27):
The blacksmith examined the tools, laying each out on the
table next to each other. He crossed his arms and
stroked his beard.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Hmmm, I could use many of these and sell the rest.
I will give you two hundred denari for it all
four hundred if you do some work for me after
the census.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
You have a deal, Joseph said. The tools shook on it,
and Joseph was given the money he and Mary would
need for the journey. He took the denara and headed
straight for the city stables. He brought a donkey saddled
and packs filled with enough food for a two week journey.
He also purchased a dagger to strap to his side.
Joseph sacrificed his livelihood to keep his wife safe. Much
(12:11):
would be required of him for the journey ahead, but
he knew that God would protect them.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
Imagine setting forth on an eighty to ninety mile journey
on rugged terrain with Mary in the advanced stages of
her pregnancy. The trek from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem
in Judea was neither short nor easy. It would have
demanded resilience, stamina, and a deep commitment. The concerns of
(12:38):
an expectant mother, the potential dangers of the journey, and
the uncertainties awaiting them in Bethlehem would have weighed heavily
on their minds. Joseph's role as Mary's protector, guide and
support cannot be understated. The sacrifice he made to ensure
Mary's safety was monumental, but he did so with the
knowledge that there was more to be gained in his
(13:00):
sacrifice then lost. That's an encouragement for all of us.
What we give up in pursuit of Christ pales in
comparison to what we gain. In the next few episodes,
we'll get to see Joseph and Mary's unwavering commitment to God.
Their dedication to each other and to the Lord is
a testament to their faith and obedience to God's call.
(13:25):
The reason for their journey, a decree from Caesar Augustus
for a census, speaks to the geopolitical realities of the time.
On the surface, this seems like a mere administrative move
by a vast empire, but in the grand tapestry of
God's design, it was a pivotal move to ensure the
fulfillment of prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
(13:50):
Look at Micah chapter five, verse two. This use of
a geopolitical event is a poignant reminder that God's ford
emp plan is not isolated from the realities of our world.
He uses emperors, decrees, and worldly events to achieve his purposes.
This gives us hope, reminding us that no matter how
(14:13):
challenging or chaotic our world might seem, God is always
at work bringing his plans to fruition. As we reflect
on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, let's consider the
sacrifices we're all called to make. Jesus says in Matthew
chapter sixteen. If anyone desires to come after me, let
(14:36):
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The path for Mary and Joseph is only going to
get more difficult. But just because things are hard doesn't
mean they aren't good. The Cross of Jesus showed us
that some of the greatest triumphs emerge from the ashes
of our greatest trials. When you face difficult think less
(15:01):
about how to minimize your suffering and think more about
maximizing the meaning you can glean in the midst of it.
This Christmas, let the Story of Luke chapter two, verses
one through five inspire us to have faith in the journey,
however difficult. Let us be reminded that God often uses
the intricate complexities of our world to unfold his divine
(15:24):
narrative in the midst of our challenges. May we find
comfort in knowing that God is orchestrating a redemption story,
not just on a global scale, but in our personal
lives as well. Our next few episodes will highlight the
intense difficulty Mary and Joseph faced on the journey to Bethlehem.
(15:46):
But even robbers, romans and raging waters can't forward the
plans of God. Thank you for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas,
and before we go, I want you to know that
I would love to send you my daily devotional to
give you fresh encouragement every single day, So visit Jack
(16:07):
Graham dot org to sign up for your PowerPoint Today devotional.
That's Jack Graham dot org.
If any one desires to come after me, let him
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew sixteen twenty four. Dear Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of Jesus, remind us of the profound journey
he embarked upon for our sake, a journey that called
(00:24):
for sacrifice, selflessness, and enduring love. This Christmas, as we
exchange gifts and share and festivities, may we also remember
the greatest gift of all, Christ, who came not just
to be born in a manger, but to lay down
(00:44):
his life for us. Empower us with the same mind
and will of Christ, who set aside his comforts to
carry his cross. Show us every day how to follow
in the footsteps of Jesus, serving and loving those around us.
(01:06):
Thank you for the priceless gift of your son and
the invitation to follow him. Fill our hearts with gratitude, love,
and true joy this Christmas. In the precious name of Jesus,
we pray Amen.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
The winds of change swept across Israel with increasing fervor.
It was as if the very breath of God stirred
the dust between the Roman ruled province whispering of a
tumults yet to unfold. Rebellion and discord, long smoldering in
the hearts of the oppressed Hebrews, started to spark. A
group of rebels known as the dagger Men, grew by
(01:52):
the day. Some knew them by a different name, the Zealots.
They were men of tact, skill and secrecy. By Roman
hatred and a desire to usher in Israeli independence, they
assassinated some of Caesar's highest ranking officials.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
They were growing in.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Number and needed to be stopped. Caesar Augustus, ruling from
the heart of the Roman Empire, was not ignorant of
these Daggermen. His eyes, though distant, were sharp, and his
paranoia simmered alongside the rebellion. He had not risen to
power by being ignorant. In a move uncharacteristic of Roman custom,
(02:31):
he issued a decree, one that both revealed his desperation
for control and reflected his fear of the burgeoning unrest.
Each individual under Roman rule, from the richest aristocrat to
the poorish shepherd, was to be counted in a census.
But it was not to be an ordinary census. No,
this one bore the insidious mark of Caesar's paranoia. The
(02:55):
people were required to return to their ancestral homes the
towns of their forefathers to day be registered and accounted for.
To execute this decree, Caesar dispatched Courineus, the stirred and
unwavering governor of Syria.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
We cannot stop.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
These sealds unless we disorganize them, Caesar told Corinius. Therefore,
we will force every man to travel uproot them and
their families. This will make them vulnerable. Corineus agreed and
immediately began preparations to force the census upon the people
(03:31):
of Israel.
Speaker 5 (03:35):
I'm so glad you've joined us on the Bible in
a Year podcast today, But before we get to today's episode,
I want you to know that I would absolutely love
to send you my daily devotional that will give you
fresh encouragement every single morning and day from the moment
we wake up to the moment our head finally hits
the pillow. There are thousands of things demanding our attention,
(04:00):
but it's in the midst of all this crush and
hustle and bustle that you and I need peace and
truth in God's Word. That's why I want to help
you spend time each day growing in God's life giving,
life changing word by sending you my free daily email
devotional PowerPoint Today. So visit Jagraham dot org to sign
(04:21):
up for your PowerPoint Today devotional. That's Jagraham dot org
Jack Graham dot org. This episode begins Mary and Joseph's
journey to Bethlehem, the harrowing journey that will test their
faith and stamina. It was prophesied that the Messiah would
(04:42):
be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. For Jesus
to be born in Bethlehem, God had to use the
geopolitical struggles of the time. The political landscape of Israel
during this time was wrought with civil unrest, corruption, and conspedraing.
The harsh hand of Caesar on the people of Israel
(05:04):
caused many radical Jewish factions to rise. One of the
more infamous groups was the Daggermen, also known as the Zealous. Simon,
one of Jesus's twelve disciples, was one of those men.
This story speculates that they might be the reason for
the census. Although it is speculation, historical clues suggest it's
(05:26):
a possibility. Historians have wrestled with the historical accuracy of
Luke's account of the census, so scholars are forced to
speculate reasons why the censues occurred. Our story today is
speculation for the sake of storytelling, but it isn't outside
the realm of possibility. Rome's relationship with the Jewish nation
(05:49):
was complex and dysfunctional. They saw Rome as another oppressive
ruler like Babylon. As a result, the Jews were riled
up with a renewed prophetic passion for the Messiah to
come and deliver them. This was the stage that was
set for the coming of Jesus. Even amid all the
(06:10):
madness of culture, God was on the move. We believe
in a God who contame chaos and bring beauty from ashes.
As the Nativity story intensifies, look for God's hidden hand
of providence. Genesis chapter fifty, verse twenty reminds us that
what men in tend for evil, God can use for good.
(06:34):
This census strained the Jewish people, but God would use
it to bring about their redemption. Let's hop back into
the story now. Joseph is about to receive the news
that he must uproot Mary in her pregnancy's late stages.
What will he do? How will he respond when the
pressure mounts. Let's find out now. In this dramatic telling
(06:56):
of Luke chapter two, verses one through fivewards will unpack
the story to find Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Corneus was not a beloved man. He carried very little
about being loved or admired. He wanted their fear. If
he could not gain their fear, their respect would be
a consolation. Corneus journeyed to every major city in Israel
with a battalion of soldiers. They flooded town squares, marketplaces,
and city gates with Caesar's demands.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
He by order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Corneus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(08:05):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem. Joseph
approached one of the Roman soldiers.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Sir, my wife is nearly nine months pregnant. She can't
make the journey to Bethlehem in her condition.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
She'll the soldier shouted, shoving Joseph to the ground. It's
command is from Caesar himself. If you fail to obey,
you will face the rod of Perneus. Joseph looked up
at the soldier and then at Charineus on his dark horse.
Joseph clenched his fist and looked away. He knew better
than to pick a fight, especially when Mary was depending
(08:41):
on him. The soldier spat at Joseph's feet and walked away.
Joseph picked up his tools and went back home. He
walked the dusty path to their humble home, wondering how
he would afford the journey to Bethlehem. He entered through
the door slowly. Mary was inside, weaving together blankets for
Jesus and humming lullabies. Her gentle and quiet grace enraptured Joseph.
(09:03):
His heart ached that he had to uproot her from
the comfort of their home, Mary, he said gently. He
knelt down beside her and held her hand.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
A decree has come from Cayarinius. We have to depart
from here to Bethlehem for a census. I don't know
why this has come now, but I swear I will
protect you and the child. We will find a way
to get there safely.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Mary's eyes were fogged with fear and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
How Joseph, at best, it's a two week journey, and
all the carts for merchants will be used up.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Mary was rightfully concerned. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
was not a straightforward journey. There were vast valleys and
hills to pass. Additionally, the frenzy of the census would
be in banded stalking lone travelers. Joseph felt helpless. They
didn't have enough money to pay for a wagon to
taxi them, nor did they have a donkey for Mary
(09:58):
to ride on. Such things were out of reach for
a humble craftsman like Joseph. He didn't know how to proceed.
Mary held Joseph's face and pressed her forehead against his.
They closed their eyes and shared a somber moment of
love and prayer. Joseph stood up and wiped a tear
from his eye.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I'll be back. I have to do something.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Joseph grabbed his tools and left. He rounded the alley
beside his home down to the market. There was no
way Mary could endure the road to Bethlehem and her condition.
If Joseph was going to keep her safe, he needed
to provide her with a donkey to ride on. The
marketplace was chaotic with people desperately haggling for supplies. Many
(10:41):
people had journeys to plan for. Joseph knocked on the
door of the blacksmith, who was a large and surly man,
uninterested in people and more interested in things.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
Lord Joseph, my boy.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
He said, with a raspy voice.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
If you are here to ask for another discount on dear,
I'm afraid you're out of luck.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Joseph placed his large leather bag of tools on the table.
I am here to sew you my tools. The blacksmith's
eyes widen. A craftsman like Joseph was only as valuable
as the tools he used.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
What is the meaning of.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
This, he asked.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Joseph ignored the question, holding back any cues that he
was greatly distressed at the thought of selling his livelihood.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
How much will you give me?
Speaker 2 (11:27):
The blacksmith examined the tools, laying each out on the
table next to each other. He crossed his arms and
stroked his beard.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Hmmm, I could use many of these and sell the rest.
I will give you two hundred denari for it all
four hundred if you do some work for me after
the census.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
You have a deal, Joseph said. The tools shook on it,
and Joseph was given the money he and Mary would
need for the journey. He took the denara and headed
straight for the city stables. He brought a donkey saddled
and packs filled with enough food for a two week journey.
He also purchased a dagger to strap to his side.
Joseph sacrificed his livelihood to keep his wife safe. Much
(12:11):
would be required of him for the journey ahead, but
he knew that God would protect them.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
Imagine setting forth on an eighty to ninety mile journey
on rugged terrain with Mary in the advanced stages of
her pregnancy. The trek from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem
in Judea was neither short nor easy. It would have
demanded resilience, stamina, and a deep commitment. The concerns of
(12:38):
an expectant mother, the potential dangers of the journey, and
the uncertainties awaiting them in Bethlehem would have weighed heavily
on their minds. Joseph's role as Mary's protector, guide and
support cannot be understated. The sacrifice he made to ensure
Mary's safety was monumental, but he did so with the
knowledge that there was more to be gained in his
(13:00):
sacrifice then lost. That's an encouragement for all of us.
What we give up in pursuit of Christ pales in
comparison to what we gain. In the next few episodes,
we'll get to see Joseph and Mary's unwavering commitment to God.
Their dedication to each other and to the Lord is
a testament to their faith and obedience to God's call.
(13:25):
The reason for their journey, a decree from Caesar Augustus
for a census, speaks to the geopolitical realities of the time.
On the surface, this seems like a mere administrative move
by a vast empire, but in the grand tapestry of
God's design, it was a pivotal move to ensure the
fulfillment of prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
(13:50):
Look at Micah chapter five, verse two. This use of
a geopolitical event is a poignant reminder that God's ford
emp plan is not isolated from the realities of our world.
He uses emperors, decrees, and worldly events to achieve his purposes.
This gives us hope, reminding us that no matter how
(14:13):
challenging or chaotic our world might seem, God is always
at work bringing his plans to fruition. As we reflect
on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, let's consider the
sacrifices we're all called to make. Jesus says in Matthew
chapter sixteen. If anyone desires to come after me, let
(14:36):
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The path for Mary and Joseph is only going to
get more difficult. But just because things are hard doesn't
mean they aren't good. The Cross of Jesus showed us
that some of the greatest triumphs emerge from the ashes
of our greatest trials. When you face difficult think less
(15:01):
about how to minimize your suffering and think more about
maximizing the meaning you can glean in the midst of it.
This Christmas, let the Story of Luke chapter two, verses
one through five inspire us to have faith in the journey,
however difficult. Let us be reminded that God often uses
the intricate complexities of our world to unfold his divine
(15:24):
narrative in the midst of our challenges. May we find
comfort in knowing that God is orchestrating a redemption story,
not just on a global scale, but in our personal
lives as well. Our next few episodes will highlight the
intense difficulty Mary and Joseph faced on the journey to Bethlehem.
(15:46):
But even robbers, romans and raging waters can't forward the
plans of God. Thank you for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas,
and before we go, I want you to know that
I would love to send you my daily devotional to
give you fresh encouragement every single day, So visit Jack
(16:07):
Graham dot org to sign up for your PowerPoint Today devotional.
That's Jack Graham dot org.
Host
Jack Graham
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