Pay Tribute To Caesars

What Subjects Owe to the Magistrates.

Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. Matt. 22:21. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honor, to whom honor. Rom. 13:1,5ff. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Tim. 2:1f Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, etc. Titus 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as unto them that are sent by him, etc. 1 Pet. 2:13f ]

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

The Small Catechism today reminds us of pretty much the same as yesterday. Those who are in places of authority ought to be respected. At the very least we need to respect the office. Rather than ridicule and berate those whose policies we do not like. We need to pray for them. Find peaceable means to make your concerns known. In this country, at least, they are available. Use these means, not just for your own sake; but, for the sake of others. Respect the office of the authorities that have been called to serve. Respect it and do no harm to those who hold these offices. Render unto them the honor due to them.

 

In Matthew 22:21, Jesus tells us that we are to "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's." This passage deals specifically with paying taxes. Yes, there are problems with the tax laws. They are very complex. They appear very inequitable. The Internal Revenue Service has had and probably still has some serious internal problems. But, the way to change things is not to cheat or lie. We have entered into a time of discernment as candidates for our next president have begun to let us know what they believe. Pay attention. If you want the tax system changed, vote accordingly at all elections. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 20:20-26 Give To God What Is God's

Luke 20:20-26 NIV
The summer property tax bills are coming in. Earlier this month, I paid our Estimated Federal and State taxes. Over the course of a year, I write at least ten checks to cover some kind of tax and that is not even considering all the taxes that are paid at the cash registers. I'm not complaining, just stating the facts. We owe them, so we pay them. After all, it is God who establishes governing authorities. "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." (Rom 13:1) 

If we are "to give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," then what is it that we are give to God? What then belongs to God? According to Malachi 2:15: "Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit." Would it not then follow that if we belong to God that we should give ourselves wholly to Him?

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 18:9-14 The Exalted Shall Be Humbled

Luke 18:9-14 NIV
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled.... I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Sometimes, it seems, there are those who just think they have to put others down. They justify their own sins by blaming others or they switch the focus off of their own sins as they point out someone else's supposed or imagined sins. Those who do this; those who falsely accuse others so that they can look good; in the end, will be humbled. The truth will prevail. And.. as for those innocent children of God who are falsely accused, they will be exalted.

Therefore; don't think too highly of yourself. Rather, humble yourself and take care of your children and the children of others rather than persecute them. Pray, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" and He will answer.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mattew 22:15-22 - In Whom Do You Trust?

The Pharisees tried to trip up Jesus by getting him to either deny the law of the land (Caesar) or the temple law. "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" they asked. Upon inspection of the coin that would be used for this tax, they found Caesar's image and inscription on. At the time there were two (at least) types of currency being used. One was Roman and the other Jewish. The reason for the moneychangers to have been in the court yard, from Matthew 21:12-17, was so the people could exchange their Roman money for Jewish currency as they could not use Roman currency to purchase the animals they needed to make their required offerings at the temple.

So when his would be accusers are asked to show him a coin; they empty their pockets (bags?) and come up with, not a Jewish coin, but a Roman one. So then, who is the author of this coin? To whom does it belong? Who is it that they put their trust in (a bit of a stretch, but I'm going there, anyway); God or Caesar? So here's a little food for thought... Empty out your purse, or wallet, or maybe that drawer or closet. What have you got hidden where no one can see it? Does it belong to God or man? Where is your allegiance? Whom or what have you put your faith in? In whom do you trust?

God's Peace - Pr. J