Blessed God of all days, may this day be one full of Your blessings to this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 15 That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 16 They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. 17 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece. 20 "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" 21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." 22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads. (The Message)
Don't you love it when people pose a question that either way you try to answer it, you get into trouble? "Does this outfit make me look fat?" "Have you stopped beating your kids?" Such was the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees about paying taxes. The Jews did not like that their country was occupied by Roman soldiers. They were now a part of the Roman Empire and as Roman subjects, had to pay taxes. Not a popular theme for discussion. To answer this question about whether it was "right" or "lawful" to pay taxes you would lose on any side. If you answered, no, it is not right, you would be in trouble with the Roman government. If you answered yes, you'd be in trouble with the Jews. So, Jesus asked to see a coin. He then asks, "Whose image is this? And whose name appears on the coin?" They answered, "Caesar." Then Jesus said, "Then give to Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."
Gotcha! This is what happens when we try to play games with God. We lose. We can try and get out of serving God and every time whatever reason we give, we find out we're better off serving God than trying to rationalize our way out of serving. Give God what is God's and do what is right.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to render myself unto You this day. Forgive me the times I have sought to serve myself or my interests rather than You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
