God Is In Control!
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 4
Luke 2:1–24 (NIV)
By Song Tao, Chairperson, Youth Ministry
READ:
Luke 2:1–24 (NIV)
In the first seven verses of today’s passage, we read an account of Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem, so that they could be registered in the census ordered by emperor Augustus (vv1–2). A census would allow the emperor to quantify the extent of his authority and power. It would allow Augustus to raise armies and collect taxes. A census is also a demonstration of the emperor’s power as men are made to account for themselves to his government and authority. We read that this was not a convenient exercise, but an intentional journey that Joseph had to embark on. He travelled from Nazareth, where he was living, to Bethlehem, the city of David, as he was descended from David’s line (vv3–4). He brought Mary and his unborn child along, as they were a family unit (v5). That was the extent of Augustus’ authority! One man’s word had shaped the choices and decisions of other men, including even pregnant women, to travel great distances so that they may be accounted for properly. Yet unbeknownst to the emperor, his decree is what sets the stage for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem (vv6–7), fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2.
To me, this is a reminder that God is in control! While emperor Augustus’ power was demonstrated in very tangible ways, it did not mean that God was powerless. God was working even in such a situation, and His purposes ultimately prevailed!
In the world that we live in today, there are still men whose words can start wars, and the world feels increasingly precarious. Just as Israel wondered where God was as the Roman empire occupied their land and ruled over them, it is sometimes hard to understand where God is today. Today’s passage is a reminder that God is in control, even when it does not seem like it.
I am reminded to place my hope and trust in God. Although we do not know how the future will unfold, God’s faithfulness assures me, and I can take courage from knowing that His purposes will prevail.
Lord, thank You for who You are. You are the creator of all the heavens and earth, and the true sovereign over all. What is man that You would be mindful of him? Thank You. Help me not to forget who You are, and the depth of Your love. Even as I find myself in difficult circumstances, Lord, help me to continually trust in Your faithfulness and power. Help me to be sensitive to what You are doing in my life and in my circumstance, so that I may be a witness to Your goodness and to testify of it. I pray that it will be Your will that is done on earth. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
1. Are there areas of your life that you find difficult to believe that God is in control?
2. Does the reality of God’s sovereignty shape the way you view your life experiences?
3. What do you place your hope and trust in?
