SCRIPTURE: Luke 20:20-26
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25)
Jesus did not advocate rebellion.
His way of bringing in God’s kingdom was not violent revolution.
Even though the Caesars were not morally good leaders, they were God-appointed.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)
Our focus should not be to displace governments, but to demonstrate goodness.
We need to be the change that we want to see, to do what is right and not just demand it from our leaders.
The only times we may disobey our leaders is when they compel us to do what is wrong, or demand that we not do what is right.
And even then, we should not be defiant or disrespectful, but humble, peaceful and prayerful.
Jesus did not fight the Romans, but neither did He stop demonstrating and declaring God’s kingdom.
As followers of Jesus, we join with Jesus in doing what is right and good (giving to God), including respectful submission to governing authorities (giving to caesar).
As Paul says, we are not to overcome evil with evil, but with good (Romans 12:21).
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, make me a channel of Your peace, and not an agent of rebellion. May I not be known as a trouble-maker, but as a good-deed doer.
Observation/Application
They kept a close eye on Him because they knew of their own deceptive wye. They even said that Christ was right and yet they wanted His authority, His power, His leading.
Once again Jesus told them to do what is right – to God and to the government. he government had been placed for their own protection. When we do God’s will for our lives, we will have peace. Live God’s way. He is first and then the rest will follow. God first. Others second. Yourself last. Then the JOY of the Lord God will be your/my strength.
I can always remember my father’s words – It is a privilege to pay taxes because it shows that you have enough for daily living. God is great. God is good. Let us daily thank Him!
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our firstfruits give.
O hearts are bruised and dead,
And homes are bare and cold,
And lambs for whom the Shepherd bled
Are straying from the fold.
To comfort and to bless,
To find a balm for woe,
To tend the lone and fatherless
Is angels’ work below.
The captive to release,
To God the lost to bring,
To teach the way of life and peace—
It is a Christ-like thing.
And we believe Thy Word,
Though dim our faith may be;
Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,
We do it unto Thee.