The Big God for Little People: Finding Significance in God's Sovereignty

In the biblical account of the birth of Jesus, we see the hand of God orchestrating events on a grand scale. The story begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This seemingly mundane administrative decision would set in motion a series of events that would fulfill prophecies and bring the Messiah into the world.

The registration required each person to return to their own town, and Joseph, who was of the house and lineage of David, had to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with his betrothed, Mary, who was also with child. This journey, a distance of about seventy miles, would not have been an easy one for a pregnant woman. But God had ordained that the Messiah be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2.

Have you ever felt insignificant in a world of billions of people, where news headlines are dominated by powerful figures and global events? It's easy to feel small and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. But the story of Jesus' birth reminds us that God is not limited by the scale of the world or the prominence of its leaders. He is a God who works in the lives of ordinary, insignificant people to fulfill His purposes.

Consider the role of Caesar Augustus in this story. He was a powerful ruler, overseeing an empire that spanned vast territories. Yet, unbeknownst to him, his decree was a part of God's plan to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The king's heart, as Proverbs 21:1 tells us, is like a stream of water in the hand of the Lord, and He turns it wherever He wills. Even the actions of the most powerful individuals are under the sovereign control of God.

In our own lives, it can be tempting to think that our circumstances are determined solely by the decisions of those in positions of power. But the story of Jesus' birth reminds us that God is the ultimate authority, working all things according to His will. Our lives are not at the mercy of worldly powers, but are guided by the hand of a loving and sovereign God.

This realization should bring us great comfort and confidence. We may be small in the eyes of the world, but we serve a big God who is actively involved in our lives. He orchestrates events in ways that we may not understand or even be aware of, all for the purpose of fulfilling His word and bringing blessing to His children.

Think about the implications of this truth in your own life. Do you ever feel discouraged or disheartened by the challenges or setbacks you face? Do you wonder if God is aware of your circumstances or if He is able to work through them for your good?

The story of Jesus' birth teaches us that God is not limited by our circumstances. He can use even the most unlikely and insignificant situations to accomplish His purposes. Just as He used a decree from Caesar Augustus to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, He can use the circumstances of your life to bring about His plans and blessings.

But how do we align our perspective with this truth? How do we overcome feelings of insignificance and trust in the sovereignty of God?

First, we must remember that our value and significance are not determined by our worldly accomplishments or the opinions of others. Our worth is rooted in our identity as children of God, created in His image and loved by Him. Our significance is found in our relationship with Him, not in our achievements or status.

Second, we must trust in the character of God. He is a loving and faithful Father who desires the best for His children. He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles, but is intimately involved in every detail of our lives. He sees us, knows us, and cares for us.

Third, we must align our desires with God's purposes. Instead of seeking our own glory or success, we should seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. Our ultimate goal should be to bring glory to God and to fulfill His purposes in the world. When our desires are aligned with His, we can trust that He will guide and direct our paths.

Finally, we must cultivate a posture of surrender and trust. We may not always understand why certain things happen or why we face certain challenges, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good. We can surrender our plans and desires to His will, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and bring about His purposes.

As we reflect on the story of Jesus' birth, let us be reminded of the incredible truth that God is a big God for little people. He is not limited by our circumstances or the scale of the world. He is actively at work in our lives, using even the most insignificant details to accomplish His purposes. Let us rejoice in this truth and trust in the sovereignty and goodness of our God.