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Wait Upon The Lord




 It was about 2000 years ago in the great Roman Empire that a special baby was born. He was a beautiful baby, lots of hair -- olive skinned. Many visitors came by to see him. It seemed that they knew he was destined for greatness. And his parents named him................ Octavian.

Octavian grew to be strong in mind and body and in power. In fact, at age 19, he inherited his great uncle´s estate. Cicero, the great Roman statesman, helped him do this much to the chagrin of Mark Antony who had controlled the estate before Octavian. Not only did Octavian inherit his great uncle´s fortune, he also took on his name and was called Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus.

He soon assembled an army and defeated the forces of Mark Antony in a civil war. Then came political manueverings. Octavian convinced Antony and a general named Marcus Lepidus to form a powerful trio. Cicero was out--murdered. Brutus and Cassius, the murderers of Julius Caesar, were also defeated and killed.

With all obvious foes removed, Octavian turned upon his partners. Marcus Lepidus was given a meaningless job in North Africa and soon was pressured to retire. Mark Antony made the mistake marrying Octavian's sister and then deserting her for the Egyptian beauty, Cleopatra. It was all the ammunition Octavian needed. War was declared, Mark Antony and Cleopatra were trapped, and both committed

Now Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus stood alone. To accentuate his power, the Roman Senate gave him yet another name, Augustus, and Caesar Augustus was in full control, the Emperor of Rome.

As emperor he accomplished great deeds--a postal system, modern roadways, free trade, tremendous building projects, and most important of all, the "Pax Romana", the Roman Peace. The people literally began to worship Caesar Augustus, and it is said this most powerful ruler of the Roman Empire influenced the people of that empire for 200 years.

When Caesar Augustus was at the zenith of power, there was another baby born in the Roman Empire. No one is quite sure what he looked like. The prophet Isaiah said he wasn´t anything special that we would notice him. Certainly, he had the look a mother could love. After all, the two of them had ridden about 80 miles together on a donkey only to end up in a stable rather than an inn. The nobility of the area did not visit, but humble shepherds did. No trumpets announced his coming, but angels sang. It was quiet and simple--just right. And they named him Jesus.

He was not born into the hustle and bustle and intrigue of a great city like Rome, but in the peaceful town of Bethlehem--a hamlet known only to his people, the Jews. This was not a city where people grabbed for the gusto and pushed detractors out of the way. This was a city of waiting, a city where Jacob buried Rachel, the woman he waited seven years for, where Ruth waited on and for her mother-in-law in one of history´s great shows of committment and selflessness, where Samuel waited for the youngest son, David, whom he anointed as King of Israel. Patience ruled over passion in this town. It paid off. " ...for to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."

He also grew-- "in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." He too could have inherited money and power but chose instead to live on "every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God."

In the end, he too was alone at the top, the top of a hill called Golgotha, hanging on a cross, dying for the sins of his people and of all others who would call on his name. And it can be said, that this man influenced the world for the next 2000 years.

Caesar Augustus and Jesus Christ--the two never met in any direct way. But because of the iron rule established by Caesar Augustus, men like Pilate and Herod were paranoid--afraid of trouble--afraid to lose their jobs Because the Jewish leaders knew this, they manipulated the system, and a total mockery of justice occurred. Truly, Caesar Augustus had much to do with the death of Christ, and he didn´t even know him.

On the other hand, news of Jesus´ resurrection spread quickly as witnesses traveled modern safe highways. Letters from church leaders like Paul circulated safely among the churches throughout the Roman world due to a fine postal system. News of the true Prince of Peace exploded to a world that enjoyed few other distractions because of the Pax Romana--Roman Peace. All thanks to Caesar Augustus, the best set-up man ever outside of John the Baptist. Ironic isn´t it. The humble and lowly rule in God´s kingdom while the rich and powerful are mere pawns used to carry out His will.

Two different men in two different cities-- two different outcomes. One was the great nephew of Julius Caesar--the other was the great Son of God. One embodied the pinnacle of "human greatness"--the other the pinnacle of humility. One was born in a bustling metropolis where the triumphs of man were evident everywhere--the other was born in Bethlehem the small, patient village that waited for its King to come. Caesar Augustus was the government--Jesus took the government on his shoulders, and it´s still there. Caesar Augustus influenced the world for 200 years after his death--Jesus influenced the world for 2000 years after his resurrection. One is dead--the other lives on. The name Caesar Augustus is rarely heard anymore, but the name of Jesus is spoken millions of times every day.

You are smart people. Draw your own conclusions. This Christmas, we can "Do as the Romans do" or "wait upon the Lord." Amen.



About the Author:


 Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.