14 And
they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not
care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances,[c] but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or
not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” ………. 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.
Have we come in
‘particular’ part of life where we ask questions to the Lord?
Although we are not the
Herodians, and we claimed to be Jesus follower. There are times where we asked
the Lord this question in a certain aspect of life. It may involve OUR work,
family, tithe, time. Sometime we use our faith, our service to the Lord to win
a favor from Him. Just like how the Pharisees and Herodians ask God whether or
not to pay taxes. This question leads me to understanding that;
1.
Those
who follow Him will have the exemption on paying taxes’’. For the Lord must
have highest authority than the rulers on the earth. The kind of trap they
failed to succeed.
-
As
follower we should not use our faith to trap the Lord.
2.
Jesus’ response
is rooted to His word. His commands are real – that He did not abolish the Law.
-
As
follower we should remain obedient to His command.
There may be times when we ask God the things that we thought are
separated from His work, but can actually work together. Just like asking to
pay taxes or not. In verse 17, Jesus clearly stated to the pharisees and
Herodians to give what is for Caesar’s and to give what’s for God. That it
doesn’t keep us away from God rather it supported us to keep the work of God.
Work
Ø God have given us job to sustain us while doing
His ministry. But
sometimes job could be too tiring. There are moments that we just wanted to
take a break and ask the Lord; ‘’ ‘Lord, the week is too tiring for me, can
I have a break from your work, ‘I have work in the ministry you have
given me, with your people, is it possible to be absent today from work (job
outside)?’ ‘’. (Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:23-24)
Family
Ø Our family is part of our work from God. We cannot just neglect them and focus on the
ministry when they part of our ministry to lead them to Christ and share His
teachings. We should still give them time to fellowship and give support. Failing
to do so is just like a child in Mark 7:11-13.
Tithe
Ø We are God’s laborer and he had given us job to
support us – that includes His house. Being the ministers, doesn’t give us the
exemption not to tithe. He did
not change the command and we’re under His command (Matthew 23:23). So, we cannot say, ‘’ ‘I am working for God, that would
show my faith to Him – it is enough’. If God take away the job we have, can
we still continue?
Time
Ø As person, we sometimes want to have a personal
time (ME time) and Jesus granted rest to His disciples in Mark 6:31.
However, it should not take us away from the work of God for His can be
part of our personal life. We are not driving our own life but God leading us
to his purpose. So, we die from our self and focus on heavenly pursuit (Matthew 6:33).
God is just, loving and righteous. A lot of times, He showered us with
favors but it doesn’t mean that we can use this as an excuse to validate our
idleness. What we thought things that are separated from God’s work is
actually a part of His work. The next time we come to God, we will not be
like Pharisees and Herodians who uses the greatness of God for a trap but to
truly praise Him because He have given us access to all these things while
having the privilege to work in His field.
LET’S PRAY
Father God, in the mighty name of your Son Jesus Christ, through the
power of the Holy spirit, we praise and thank you for your word today. Thank
you for letting us understand that life outside can be a partner of your work. May you always give us your strength,
protection, and covering. As we come back to you during our personal time, we
will have the right heart to give you praises.
Hold us tightly as we continue to walk on our mission and purpose you’ve
called us to do. Thank you, Jesus! This we pray in Jesus’ name! Amen…
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