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 God’s kingdom didn’t come by rebellion or revolution.
Caesars were unrighteous leaders, but were accountable to God (Romans 13:1-2).
Our goal is not 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 he still lived for God’s kingdom.
We join with Jesus in doing what is right and good (giving to God).
This includes respectful submission to the authorities (giving to Caesar).
This includes paying our taxes and submitting to their laws.
The only time we can disobey is if they tell us to do evil.
If we disobey, we must do so in a humble, respectful, non-violent way.
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…” (1 Peter 2:12)
We are 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.
From the beginning of his time with us the first time he came until the end, Jesus was tested and I am sure tempted. I think especially at the garden of Gethsemane – yet Jesus persevered. Thank you for your answer Jesus to the those trying to trap you – help me separate out the secular from the kingdom – help me to serve in this world but with the objective in mind of always finding a way to advance and represent your kingdom well! With the help of your HS!
In times like today people, even governments, do not show ove and mercy, desiring peace and justice. They desire their selfish desires. And as one living in God’s world I need to pray not ony those in leadership positions, but for all who desire on their own selfish ways, that God’s Spirit would work in their hearts to become instruments of peace and not bickering, fighting and war. Love God. Love mankind. Those are the basic rules for daily living. Only when we live for Jesus do we have the right perspective in our lifestyle – living in His SonShine – showing others by our words and deeds that we are His and His banner over us is love.
1 Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
where there is injury, your healing power,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2 Make me a channel of your peace:
where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, only light,
and where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3 O, Spirit, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love with all my soul.
4 Make me a channel of your peace:
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving to all that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.