As is my habit, I started the day with some bible reading, first some Old Testament and then some New, occasionally throwing in a Psalm or Proverb. Well as luck (sure!) would have it, I am starting Deuteronomy and it begins where Moses is recapping for the people where they have been. As I read, it was clear that God "gave" them everything... every victory and every provision, every piece of land, EVERYTHING. And yet they still did not trust God.
Next was the New Testament where I am in Mark. Today's reading was chapter 12. Jesus was questioned about paying a "poll-tax" to Caesar. To answer, He asked for a denarius (a coin) and inquired as to whose inscription they saw. Of course, it was Caesar's. And the response grabbed me. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's".
Now Moses was quite clear to the Israelites that all they had came from God and every good Pharisee in Jesus' time would have known that story from Moses. So when Jesus directs them to give to Caesar all that is his, what exactly was he going to get?
I'll get my taxes finished and "pay up" what I am asked. But today, I am reminded that nothing I possess is mine and Jesus says, "render....to God the things that are God's." I'm still learning how to live "the Blessed life". What about you?
I'm may be the only one reading these. Of course I'm writing them too! lol But God is using this tool to grow me in new ways. I have had similar experiences to today's where my reading lined up with something going on. Has anyone else?
ReplyDeleteHey Guy, You're not the only one reading! As far as the Bible reading goes, my experience is that a lot of times what I am on in my "schedule" seems to be directly related to what is happen in my life. It does grow your faith! (and sometimes gives you the chills)
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