THE PROBLEM WITH POWER

"Maybe the Christmas Story needed and Augustus to  make it believable.  The world is fallen and troubled because seek power and wealth.  If there were no emperors, no powerful empires. no oppressors and intolerance, would there be a need for a Savior?  . It is no accident of history, then, that Jesus was born in the days of Caesar Augustus. It was Roman power that scourged Jesus and Crucified Him.  But it could not obliterate Him. Jesus was born into the world of Caesar to show us how insubstantial great power is. Think about that as you reread the opening verses of Luke's second chapter."  (The Magnificent Story 2017 Advent devotional by Daniel Laymen)


As I read the above I was reminded what we find in James 4:1-10 (The Message)

Get Serious
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.  

God goes against the willful proud.  We must really be careful when we begin to seek and use power over others.   I  could not help but think of the times we are living in and how applicable all this is in our world all around us.  God will speak, me thinks soon.....