What Jesus Did! 'Historical Reality!' — Luke 2:1-3

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
— Luke 2:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

The Good News of God does not occur in a vacuum. Luke wants us to know that Jesus' life was lived out in the real world, at a real time, with real people, who dealt with real problems. God does not want us to live our lives isolated and separated from his presence. He does not want us to have to reach beyond our grasp to find him. He wants us to know that he understands the limits of our mortal world. In Jesus, God has entered our real world to draw near to us and to draw us near to him! The real question is whether we will let him into our lives.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, our Almighty God, I open my life to you. You are welcome here. Come and draw near. Change me at your will. I long to be your child - not just in name, but also in closeness and in character. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

13 Related Resources by Heartlight

Yes, Virginia There Really Is ...
Article by Rubel Shelly
Where does Jesus fit into all the make believe? Rubel Shelly helps clarify that Jesus is a historical figure and real, not something imaginary like the Easter Bunny, tooth fairy, and Santa Claus.
The One Born in Bethlehem Can be Born in You
Article by Rick Brown
When was your last pause to reflect, rest, and renew? Rick Brown gives some statistical data on Christmas shopping, historical data on the birth of Jesus, and some spiritual insight on how to keep from going under during the busy time we call Christmas.
No Room!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Have you really made room in your heart for Me? I'm not talking about thinking about Me during the Christmas season. I'm asking if..."
The Time Is Near and You Are Busy!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Christmas is close! What are you feeling? Is it fear? ...pressure? ...stress? ...worry? ...sadness? Please don't lose Me in the....."
See All 13 Related Resources about Luke 2:1-3

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:1-3 NLT — ) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Spirit Gives Life!' (2 Co. 3:6)
"[God] has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Colossians 1:5
"Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainspring and the mainstay of our joy here. It will animate our hearts to think often of heaven, for all..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard H. Jett:
"One is a Christian 7/24/365 or he is but a tinkling cymbal."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!