Day 148 "Whatever is required of me by God will forever pale in comparison to what He required of Jesus."

Day 148 Matthew 17:24-27 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” Every person who has ever believed that God has told them not to pay taxes needs to read this passage and pray for understanding, for this example, given once again by Jesus, is one of how we, as Christians, are to live. A few points are worthy to note here. First of all, Jesus allows Peter to acknowledge that these who are seeking payment are the very same people who are and will be persecuting them. Secondly, we pay the taxes in order that we might not be an offense to those who have been given authority to tax us. And the final point is that God will provide for the taxes–he placed money in the mouth of a fish; however, Peter did have to work for it. Being people of free will, we are often all too quick to lash out and protest things that we have no biblical or God-given right to protest, yet we do it in the name of the one who has told us not to protest. As we are currently going through another very tough political season in our Nation, I am quite frankly, once again, appalled at the behavior of many so-called Christians and, in particular, certain pastors–for example, the Church where President Obama was attending before being elected. When I hear that pastor use the name of Jesus to spread his message, which is, in fact, contrary to what Christ teaches us, it is appalling! Jesus did not tell us to fight against the government, each other, or anyone else in the flesh. He told us to turn the other cheek, to be respectful, and to submit to those in authority. Messages such as we have been hearing in the media cause us to be divisive, bitter, angry, and are in no way a proper example of how Christians should behave or live. By the way, this man is not the only pastor who is carrying on in such a way; there are plenty of others, many of which some would argue are not contrary to the Word, but please TEST US ALL against the Word. Jesus instructs us: "Pray for those in authority over you," something most of us struggle with at one time or another. A more typical response would be to lash out at those in authority in anger or out of frustration complain and pass judgment; hence, rather than praying for them we pray against them. The truth of this passage that Christ has laid before us is really rather simple: pay your taxes and dues to those over you, trust that God will provide for those taxes, and be a blessing to those who are in authority over you. Yes, it sounds easy to do; however, it can be hard, so lean on the Lord and let Him be your strength. And, please, do not make this political by saying I am against Obama for using his pastor as an example. It just so happens that this pastor has put himself out there and truly is an example of how we pastors are not to act. Daily Prayer: Father, may I never again complain about what is required of me to be an example for You on this earth. My sacrifice is nothing compared to that of Jesus, and for my past complaints, I seek Your forgiveness and restoration, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Whatever is required of me by God will forever pale in comparison to what He required of Jesus." Pastor Gene Burroughs