Esther shares her thought for the week and answers the question why is August called August.
It’s already the 3rd of August! I don’t know about you, but this year is flying by. At this rate, someone will be wishing us a Merry Christmas before we’ve even finished our summer holidays! But beyond the calendar, what does August really mean?
If you’ve watched or read my previous thought for the weeks, you’ll know that I like to research things I’m not sure about. Some people Google recipes; I Google Roman emperors! This “Thought for the Week” is no different.
The month of August was named after Caesar Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. In 8 BC, the Roman Senate renamed the month from Sextilis (meaning “sixth” in Latin) in his honour, because many of his significant achievements took place during that time. Originally, August had 30 days. It eventually came to have 31 days, giving us just one more day to enjoy the summer… or one more day to wonder where the summer disappeared to!
Now for the interesting part: what does the Bible say about Augustus? Although Augustus was a powerful pagan ruler who almost certainly had no intention of serving God’s purposes, God used his decree to bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at exactly the right time for the birth of Jesus. In doing so, God fulfilled a prophecy spoken centuries earlier, demonstrating His sovereignty over human history.
Isn’t it remarkable that one of the world’s most powerful rulers unknowingly played a part in God’s eternal plan? Augustus believed he was strengthening his empire by ordering a census, but God used that very decree to fulfil His Word.
Luke 2:1 tells us:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
Luke 2:1
And Proverbs 21:1 reminds us:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.
Proverbs 21:1
What an encouragement! No matter what is happening in our world or who is in positions of authority, God remains sovereign. He is still in control. So don’t be discouraged or disheartened. God has never looked down from heaven and said, “Well… I didn’t see that coming!”
On a personal note, my granddaughter was born in July, but her middle name is August. I believe God directed her parents in choosing that name, and one day I’ll have the joy of telling her the meaning behind it, and how God can use even the most unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His perfect plan.
Until next time, enjoy the rest of your summer. If you’re in the UK, make the most of every sunny day… because tomorrow’s forecast might be rain! God bless.
Every week one of our members shares a short thought aiming to inspire you for the week. You can watch previous Thought For The Week videos by clicking here.