Father, thank You for a day of Your presence and companionship – from worship through the day with Karen! There are so many things for which to be grateful. And all praise goes to my good, good Father!
Matthew 22:15-22 (<<click to read the passage)
Recently I was asked to take part in an event. I went with some ideas and printouts, prepared to share. Well, when I arrived I didn’t even have an opportunity to share anything, instead, I was told this is how this is going to go down. To say the least, I was surprised. I was shocked! I was totally caught off guard.
In today’s passage, two groups – who up to this point had agreed on absolutely nothing – joined together, in what they thought was an iron-clad setup, to take down a common adversary. The Pharisees – a religious group strongly opposed to the Roman occupation of Palestine – and the Herodians – who supported Herod Antipas and pretty much all policies instituted by Rome in the region of Palestine – conspired to take Jesus out. They were prepared. Everything was well thought through. They asked a question that either way Jesus answered would take Him out of the game. Whichever side He took would give the other side reason to eliminate Him, giving both sides a win!
But one can’t play simple human games with the Creator of the Universe. Jesus saw through their duplicity and shut both parties down with a simple answer and as the Amplified Bible puts it, “they were caught off guard, and they left Him and went away.” v.22
Truth be told, neither group had any idea whatsoever with whom they were dealing. Each had their preconceived notions. Each had Jesus pegged as a troublemaker who needed to be taken out of the equation. Jesus stood in opposition to both parties!
Yes, we are called to support those who rule over us (“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.”} but most importantly we are to pledge to God our ultimate obedience and commitment (“Give to God what belongs to God.”). v.21
Lord, may we follow You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and doing so may we support and lift up to You those who rule over us on side of eternity. May we be exemplary citizens of both Kingdoms!
Sept 16th, 2018, Sun, 8:06 pm
