And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Luke 2:2
What do you know about Cyrenius? Historians tell us he was Publius Sulpicius Cyrenius (or Quirinius) and he had limited authority over Judaea during the time of Jesus’ birth and for several years later. He came from a humble family and rose through the ranks to become a friend of the emperor. He was even given a public funeral in Rome when he died. But who remembers any of that without looking it up in the encyclopedia? As prominent as this man was in his day, he has faded from all but the most obscure of references. But a tiny Baby born in a barnyard in one of his provinces has become the most prominent Man in all of earth’s history. Cyrenius reminds us that none of us are any more than tiny blips on the master-screen of time.
Some wag has observed that anybody who thinks they are a person of some influence should try ordering somebody else’s dog around. Even the most prominent people in the world have their limitations on how far their influence extends. Whether it is an Iraqi reporter who throws his shoes at an American president, or a pigeon that fouls the pope’s window sill, everybody is reminded now and then that we can be pretty small in the overall scheme of things. Like Cyrenius, we are just a name that will one day fade into insignificance. Cyrenius’s boss, Tiberius, is a nobody today, and so is everyone who was associated with him. But those of us who are associated with the King of Kings who was born on Cyrenius’ watch have the assurance that our story does not end with our death.
During His ministry, Jesus proclaimed that He had come to give life, and to give it more abundantly. Those of us who are saved know that there is a great future for us in Glory. We know that we shall reign with our Lord. But we also know that the abundant life he promised does not begin at our death, but at our conversion. The glorious prospects of eternity can change our lives here, and, although we may be small in the world’s eyes, we are the precious gems that Jesus came to gather. In Heaven’s eyes, we are not insignificant. God hears every one of our prayers and responds to each.
The sumptuous life that Cyrenius led is nothing compared to our prospects. Let those prospects lift your spirits in praise and appreciation today. -Jim MacIntosh