The day after: Render Unto Caesar
In Jesus' day, Caesar was the emperor of the dominant and occupying forces of the Roman Army. Caeser had appointed Herod Antipas, the son of King Herod the Great, to rule over the region of Galilee.
It was during this time that the Pharisees and the Herodians, those who supported King Herod, attempted to trap Jesus with this question:
We know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about one's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us then, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (Matthew 22:16-17)
If Jesus took a position, whether by saying yes or no to their question, he would be called a traitor. He would either be a traitor to Casear, the one who God had placed in a position of authority, or he would be a traitor to his own tribal people.
What was his answer?
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:18-21)
I bring this story to your attention today because the results of yesterday's election are most likely in. There were winners and losers determined yesterday. Apparently, the way elections have gone recently, the nation appears to be further and further divided. But, it is one's God-given duty and responsibility to not only vote for the candidates and issues that are before him or her but then to respect and honor the outcome of the election. That is unless the will of God takes precedence.
It is also our God-given duty to uphold these elected officials accountable throughout their years of service.
Through it all, God and His will should be first and foremost to the believer in Jesus.
Join me in this prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven,
We pray that your Kingdom of grace and mercy would come to us. And not only to us but to others. And not only to others but to others through us.
Your kingdom comes when you, our Heavenly Father, gives us your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we believe in Your Holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.
While we live in this world, we know that you have allowed for kingdoms and rulers who will ultimately serve you. We pray that You would instill in us respect and honor for those who you have placed in positions of authority.
Earthly kingdoms will pass away, however your Kingdom will last forever.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Risen Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.