Dr. Luke was careful to fully establish the historicity of events.  He gave names of known leaders to establish the time and the event which would unfold God’s timing.

(NASB) Luke 2:1-3 “NOW IN those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.”

The census was taken under specific leaders in Rome and Syria.  The people had to travel to specified towns to register for the census.  No census takers were hired to go door-to-door or even town to town.

This would have been a hardship on most people.  They had to leave their work, provide care for their livestock as well as arrange for food and lodging for themselves.  Probably most would have had to travel to another town, perhaps a great distance from where they lived.  Many would probably have walked.

Did people grouse and grumble at these hardships?  I would think so.  Did these people have a choice?  No, they did not.  This census involved all of the Roman Empire!

And God used it for His plans and purposes.  This writer believes that God can, and does, use events in the world to further His plans.  So!  When things happen which we do not understand – do we grouse and grumble or will we choose to look for God at work?

My prayer:  “Lord, open my eyes to understand that national and international events are used by You to work out Your plans and purposes.  May You receive the credit, the glory, and the praise as Your words are fulfilled in this world.  May You continue to be my confidence as I live by faith that You know what You are doing!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.”