BIBLE STUDY - Family Infighting.

"A decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. – Luke 2:1 NASB One of satans plans is to divide family members and to play them up against one another. Luke pinpoints Jesus’ birth from the moment Caesar Augustus called for a census. This began a chain of events that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. But what of Augustus? When Jesus was born, how was he occupying his time? Ironically, Augustus largely was consumed with family squabbles and political infighting for control. Augustus had a complicated relationship with Tiberius, his stepson. A few years earlier, Augustus had forced Tiberius to divorce his wife (whom he loved) to marry Augustus’ daughter Julia (whom he came to hate). The irritations mounted after Augustus assigned Tiberius the task of settling unrest in Armenia. He shocked Augustus (and the Roman hierarchy) by announcing that he was “weary” and would retire. When his desires weren’t immediately approved, he went on a hunger strike until Augustus finally relented so Tiberius could retire to the island of Rhodes. In the words of Roman historian Suetonius, at the prime of his life, Tiberius was withdrawing “as far as possible from the center of the stage.” Ironically, after Augustus’s death, Tiberius succeeded his stepfather as Caesar. While these men were worried about power, prestige, and personal promotions, Jesus was born in far-off Bethlehem to save the world. His humble birth demonstrates that God is not caught up in worldly politics or control hungry hearts. Greatness comes through faithfulness and humility. His plans are more important than all the world’s crafty schemes of satan to divide family members. Today, choose to serve Jesus! He will never disappoint you! Prayer Father, I humble myself before You. Help me to be like Jesus. Use me to point others to Him. I dedicate my life to You. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.