"The decisions of men only served to accomplish the sovereign plan of God."

A thought by Charles R. Swindoll, from his book, Jesus: 09 (Great Lives Series) (p. 35). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

So true, so true.

Charles says, "I have often wondered why Mary made the trip with Joseph knowing that she would likely deliver her child before returning home again. Perhaps he thought they could make the trip, conclude their business, and return in time. Maybe she delivered early or they miscounted the weeks. I happen to think they intended to stay with relatives, found Bethlehem overrun with travelers, and were surprised to find that the registration process took much longer than anyone anticipated. It really doesn’t matter, though. The decisions of men only served to accomplish the sovereign plan of God."

He then says, "Caesar Augustus [he was the one who called for a census to be taken] thought this exercise of power would give him greater control over the world, but in the end, all he did was run an errand for God. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, but the prophecy said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Furthermore, we dare not forget that God is omniscient as well as sovereign. He was not taken by surprise when people from all over the realm packed into Bethlehem just before Joseph and Mary arrived. This would precipitate just one of many ironies, all of which would serve a divine purpose."

And He is not taken back by the surprises in our lives. He knows what is happening, doesn't He? Yes, yes! #continuethought

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