Our times are in His hands

The coming national population and housing census in July brings to mind another census that took place a long time ago - the census decreed by Caesar Augustus cited in Luke 2.

Reflecting on the occasion when Christ was born, JC Ryle comments on how the sovereign wisdom of God is clearly displayed through this, and how it helps all God's children to not be anxious, but trust in Him who always knows when the time is right:

God's wisdom is seen in this simple fact. The Jews were coming under the dominion and taxation of a foreign power. Strangers were beginning to rule over them. Augustus taxes the world, and at once Christ is born.

It was a moment which was particularly suitable for the introduction of Christ's Gospel. The whole civilised earth was at last governed by one ruler. There was nothing to stop the preacher of a new faith from going from city to city and country to country. It was indeed "the right time" (Romans 5:6) for God to interpose from heaven and for Christ to be born.

Let us always rest our souls on the thought that times are in God's hands (Psalm 31:15). He knows the best time to send help to his church and new light to the world. Let us beware of giving in to anxiety about the events around us, as if we knew than the King of kings when relief should come.

Quoted from  J.C. Ryle, Luke: The Crossway Classic Commentary (Crossway).