PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 20:20-26
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25)
For Jesus the kingdom of God did not come by rebellion or revolution.
Caesars were unrighteous leaders, but they were accountable to God (Romans 13:1-2).
Our goal should not be to displace governments, but to demonstrate goodness.
We need to do what is right and not just demand it from our leaders.
Jesus didn’t fight the Romans, but neither did he stop living for God’s kingdom.
As Jesus followers, we join with Jesus in doing what is right and good (giving to God)
This includes giving respectful submission to governing authorities (giving to Caesar).
This includes paying our taxes and submitting to their laws.
The only time we can disobey our leaders is if they compel us to do what is wrong.
Not in a defiant or disrespectful way but in a humble, peaceful and prayerful way.
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)
In a sense, we ought to be the best citizens of all, the kind that make leaders notice!
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 citizen.
“…give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” What I do, how I act, how I drive – others see and observe. I need to be a good citizen – respectful of others – otherwise what kind of witness is that – especially if others see that I am a ‘Christian’. Loving God and loving neighbour -requires me to be consistent – I may be the only ‘Bible’ that people see – the kingdom of God is near when I as a believer am near. Help me to be that kind of witness that creates others to know what makes me ‘tick’. Therefore, I am to pay my taxes, obey the rules of the road, not steal -even when it others are not looking. It is also in my giving of myself in service to others that I am giving to God!
Lord thank you for your provision. Lord help me give with a grateful heart with everything I can offer, and help me give beyond my means!
Some of the monies today still show the stamp of ‘In God we trust.’ That stamp is also upon me. I am not my own but belong to my Saviour. My life belongs to Him and I need to give all of me in His service. All that I am I owe to Him.
All that I am I owe to thee,
thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me.
I give my Maker thankful praise,
whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
Search me, O God, my heart discern;
try me, my inmost thought to learn;
and lead me, if in sin I stray,
to choose the everlasting way.