Looking at the Big Picture, Part 2

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19

Yesterday, we looked at God’s timing from the light of prophecy. Today, let’s look at it in the light of history. Five historical events that made the time right for His birth...

1. The Dispersion of the Jewish People - Moving into the Mediterranean Basin.
God fearing Jews were moving out to communities through the Roman Empire. It was here in these communities that the gospel first came.

2. A Favorable Legal Environment
Romans had conquered all kinds of religious groups. The only requirement was that you had to acknowledge Caesar as God. They worked with every group except one - Jews. The Roman Empire granted an exemption to the Jews.

Now watch the timing -
We have the birth of Christ, and for the first 70 years, the Romans never knew the difference between Judaism and Christianity. When they finally tried to put a stop to it, it was too late. Christianity was being birthed throughout the Roman Empire.

3. Favorable Political Climate
Under Julius Caesar, there were many wars and real conflict. Under Augustus Caesar it was a time of peace. Instead of Rome being at war, they began to build roads and take care of people traveling. They connected the whole Roman Empire together, so people could travel.

4. Favorable Culture Climate
All people spoke the same language.
At the tower of Babel - confusion.
But Alexander the Great - common Greek.
The whole world spoke Greek.

5. Favorable Philosophical Environment
Plato, Socrates, and all the rest had done a better job at raising questions than answering them. The world was hungry for truth - and Christianity gave the world truth.

You put all these together, and you’re beginning to see how great God really is!

In the “fullness of time” God sent forth His Son. Christmas is about God’s timing in our lives. Christmas is about how God used history, psychology, people, and all the little things to bring about His purpose. Christmas is about God’s sovereignty on display!