God’s plan unfolds despite sinful man. It is reassuring when God’s plan moves forward in the world, which gives us hope. When satan rebelled and took a third of the angels with him, God’s plan still unfolded in His timing. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, God’s plan continued to unfold. Unlike us, the Lord is not surprised, confused, or at a loss to do what is next when people or fallen angels try to interfere with His plan.
Psalm 147:5 says, 5 How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! [1] Before Adam and Eve fell into sin, God knew what they would do and still created them and gave them free will. Ephesians 1:4Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.[2] Also, before they fell into sin, God already planned to send His Son to rescue them.
Mary and Joseph Fulfill God’s Plan
The Old Testament Prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem centuries before His birth. Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel whose origins are in the distant past will come from you on my behalf. [3]
At just the right time, Mary, the mother of Jesus, became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. When Joseph, who was pledged to Mary, found her pregnant, he decided to divorce her quietly. While Joseph was considering this, the Lord came to him in a dream and told him Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit and not to be afraid to take her as his wife. (Ref. Mat. 1:20). Like our lives, it takes the Lord’s ongoing intervention for His plan to unfold.
God’s Plan is Like a Puzzle
But how would Jesus be born in Bethlehem if Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth? The Roman leader, Augustus, did not know he would play a part in God’s plan, but the Lord did. Luke 2:1At that time, the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. [4]
Jesus the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem just as the Prophet Micah had written. You were also born at the right time and place to fulfill God’s plan for your life, which includes coming to faith. God’s plan for our lives unfolds as the Lord intervenes and guides us by the Holy Spirit.
To learn how God’s plan unfolds, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/fulfilled-birth-of-jesus
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.