Friday devo

Read Luke 20:20:26. I just recently heard a teaching on this passage that unlocked its meaning for me. The real issue here is that Caesar claimed to be God and the Jews refused to honor him because of this claim. When they ask Jesus, "is it lawful for us to pay?" they are really wanting to see hoping to catch Jesus either being afraid of Caesar or dishonoring him. In their minds either way Jesus' answers they got him!

Jesus of course being slightly wiser than his interrogators doesn't give them either answer they're looking for on this day. Its incredible because Jesus' answer does two things. It proves he doesn't think Caesar is god because he says, "give to God what is Gods." It also shows that we are to honor leaders over us. 

The Pharisees believed it impossible and ungodly to honor one who claimed to be God. Jesus shows that it is possible to honor them but give God the greater honor. When Jesus says, "give to God what is Gods." What does he mean? In reality everything is the Lords. Romans 12:1 - Offer your very lives as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Jesus has already said, "take up your cross and follow me." Give God your life and quit worrying about taxes!!!

We can get lost in politics this time of year - especially this year. It is important to stay informed but are we giving to God what is God's? Are we honoring him with our lives? The Pharisees were worried about a man claiming to be God way off in Rome and missing the point that they were face to face with the son of God - and they're not giving him glory.

questions

1) do you tend to get really hyped about politics or do you tend to ignore it?

2) how can you keep the main thing the main thing when everyone else is all stirred up about the next president?

prayer

create in me a clean heart God and renew a steadfast spirit within me!