SCRIPTURE: Romans 13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” [Matthew 22:21]
The religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus into speaking against Rome so that He can be arrested.
Jesus’ answer is more than a clever evasion, it is a profound truth.
We live in two realities: this world as it is under sinful humanity, and this world as it is under God.
These worlds are really one, but because of sinful rebellion, we have separated them.
This is why the world is in such a mess.
God’s design was for justice, peace and morality.
We know that God established a form of authority in paradise, in the family unit.
The original purpose of authority was to nurture, train and equip the next generation in the ways and wonders of living with paradise.
Unfortunately, humanity forfeited this experience of paradise, and in their rebellion introduced injustice, conflict and immorality.
The leaders God intended to do good become agents of rebellion.
Though they still exercise a nurturing, training and equipping role, it is far from perfect and often destructive.
So Paul urges us, in the spirit of God’s kind of love, to reject injustice, conflict and immorality and devote ourselves to renewing the social order.
Give respect and honour to our leaders, for that was God’s original design.
They deserve obedience in doing what is right (this is Caesar’s due), but not in what is wrong (this is God’s due).
God does not call people to revolution or insurrection, but to such a demonstration of godliness and goodness that the rest of the nation marvel at what they see.
“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].
Too often Christians in politics become politicians in the unhealthy sense of that term – using worldly, ungodly techniques and practices, just like the officials they are often opposing.
We must be different, not practicing the deeds of darkness but the deeds of light.
Being like Jesus (clothed in Jesus’ character and conduct), we respect everyone, stand for truth in a gracious, helpful way, and consider our greatest obligation (or debt) to be showing merciful, sacrificial love to others.
Not just being nice or tolerant, but being compassionate and self-denying.
This is Jesus’ kind of politics!
PRAYER:
Lord, make me a politician like You, giving to Caesar what he deserves, and giving to God what He deserves!
God has instituted authority to bring rule to the land. Do what is right and good. Obey. Pay taxes. respect. Honour.
But today we have become a law unto ourselves and we demand our way rather than ‘love your neighbour’. The love which does no harm is certainly not evident in the world this day.
And yet for God’s people, love is the fulfillment of the law. Love God. Love man. As I start this day in His Word, how does that set the tone for the day? Am I clothing myself with Christ Jesus? Do I live the Light?
As God’s champion I must clothe myself with the armour of Light. Then I will be able to live the fruit of the Spirit and those around me will be able to see that I am His and He is mine. They will know I am a Christian by my love.
Again this verse comes to my mind – ‘as far as it depends on me, live at peace with all mankind.’ Do this and live. Really live for Jesus Christ.
He brought me to His banqueting table
And his banner over me is love (3)
His banner over me is love
1. He lifts me up to heavenly places
2. I am safe and secure in the rock of all ages
3. He is the way, the truth and the life
4. In Christ there is no condemnation
5. I am my beloved’s and He is mine
6. He placed my feet on firm foundation
7. And now I am living in the new creation
8. I am seated with Him in the heavenly places.