Longing For Beulah Land

"Tell us [Pharisees], then, what you [Jesus] think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 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.” 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 22:17-21

There is a better place that is just over the hilltop. A bright land where we will never grow old. Don't you yearn for Jesus to come soon. Perhaps some days more than others. Do you find it difficult to render unto Caesar when some of the laws are clearly contrary to the Word of God? Are you surprised that there is a tension between the two? Wasn't this country founded by people of faith?

The fact of the matter is that politicians, Christian or not, are bound to represent their constituency. Think about that. Remember, Christians are a minority, not just in this country, but in the world. I wrote about the problem of unity a couple of weeks ago. The impossibility of being fully united with the lost. There is some agreement, but when the consensus of the world is contrary to the declaration of God - therein lies the rub. What to do when there is a conflict. What did Jesus say? 

"render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" If it is in the domain of the government and is not contrary to the Word of God then we must honor it. But, if it is contrary to God then we must honor God. 

God said don't steal. Our country has laws in place that say it is unlawful to steal and have penalties in place for those found guilty of stealing. The same with murder. That was easy!

There are laws in most countries against people assaulting one another, with consequences if you are found guilty. The Bible does not speak to assault explicitly - although the principles for how we are to treat one another are clear. But, I think the explicit issue of assault is in Caesar's domain. 

Money is a medium used in the economy to pay for goods and services. Money is minted by the government and has an underlying value which the government supports. Some of the currency in the United States is imprinted with, "In God We Trust", which is not true for everyone who uses it. (In fact, I would not be surprised if one day that phrase is removed because someone who does not trust God finds it offensive). Remember, our currency belongs to Caesar. 

What I see as the biggest challenge is when God has made something plain as being wrong, but Caesar has declared it through legislation as being right. I will let you think about some examples. It is at this point that we must side with God. Regardless of the personal consequences.

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32

Remember - the Lost are lost - headed for Hell. Jesus came to save them. We don't have to agree with those who practice such things. But that does not mean that we treat them any different than anyone else whose heart is far from God. They need Jesus. The laws of the Land reflect the majority. The majority are lost. Peoples' inclination is to move away from God not toward Him. But one day, some of them will meet Jesus on the road. Just like we did. Be the light in this dark time. 

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." - 2 Corinthians 2:15

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone