This past November the people of California spoke loudly concerning the topic of marriage. Through the passage of Proposition 8, the voters in California affirmed that they wanted the State of California to recognize only those marriages between a man and a woman. In other words, they accepted the traditional definition of marriage. Yesterday, perhaps to the surprise of many, including this writer, the Supreme Court of the State of California upheld the results of the passage of Proposition 8. But, that same Supreme Court also recognized the legitimacy of some 18,000 same-sex marriages which had taken place. I believe the decision of the Court will be appealed now to the United States Supreme Court.
We are living in a society today that has thrown out most of the social mores which I grew up to value as important. Integrity - now is replaced with "look out for yourself." Truth - now means what I believe to be true, even if no one else does. Family - now means a collection of people, usually adults and children, who choose to live together. Marriage - now refers to a relationship between two consenting adults, be they male and female, just female, or just male.
But the biblical definition of marriage has not changed. One of the first statements voiced by God in the Bible concerns marriage: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Jesus later affirmed this biblical definition in His discussion concerning marriage and divorce (see Matthew 19:1-12). Furthermore, I believe the purpose for marriage was to populate the earth: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number..." (Genesis 1:27-28a). Now it is a biological impossibility for either two women or two men to produce a child. Let me say that once again: It is impossible for two women or two men to produce a child. Can't be done! To produce a child requires both a man and a woman.
Now I believe the Bible affirms a pleasurable side to marriage. Just read the Song of Solomon or some of the Proverbs. But those pleasures are reserved only for a man and a woman who are united in marriage. The Bible is even more specific in its prohibition of homosexuality. Yes, I know most of those texts are in the Old Testament, but what does a person do with Romans 1:18-32? With 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? Notice Paul's use of the word "were" in that passage. That implies a change of character.
Perhaps the issue of marriage has become a more pressing ethical issue than abortion these days. I do applaud the California Supreme Court for their resolute stand yesterday. And I do applaud states where a marriage amendment has been added to state constitutions. May all states soon have such amendments.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A Washington Confrontation with Eternal Consequences
This has been a very interesting week for those of us who follow closely what God is doing in the Middle East. Certainly, not given the media coverage that was warranted, was the visit this week of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the White House. In many of the major US daily papers, coverage was relegated to the inside pages and to only a column or two; while most television news outlets buried the story deep within their newscasts, choosing to focus upon the automobile industry and new emission standards and the credit card reform.
As one would guess, two agenda items dominated the discussions between the Prime Minister and our President: what to do with a nuclear Iran, and how to create a two-state solution with the Palestinians. On the subject of Iran, President Obama said that he favored increasing international sanctions against Iran, primarily in limiting and taxing Iranian imports of gasoline and other fuels (seems the Iranians have the oil but do not know how to refine it). He said that he would give the Iranians until the end of the year to dismantle their nuclear capabilities, but the way he expressed it really leaves the threat open-ended. Meanwhile, Israel sits with a target on its back. Will Israel do a pre-emptive strike as it did against Egypt and Syria in 1967? They certainly are preparing for such a strike. The Israeli Air Force has been doing practice runs from Israel to Gibraltar and back, even doing in air refueling. That is the distance to Iran. And the Israeli Army is deploying a new anti-missile shield to protect them from missiles launched from Iran. [Just this morning, May 20, the Iranians successfully launched a missile capable of delivering a warhead some 2000 miles, meaning that all of Israel and our Middle East military bases would be vulnerable.]
On the second issue, that of the "two-state solution," President Obama said that this was the only way to insure peace in the Middle East. And pressure is now being applied to Israel to yield to this solution. In addition, the European Union, Russia, and now China have joined in singing that same song. The Israeli Prime Minister is not biting on that hook. I believe he has some strong reservations about how the Palestinians would govern themselves. And this is not without evidence, just witness what has happened in Gaza. His solution is to help develop the Palestinians through economic means and through other forms of service. Yes, the Palestinians need to govern themselves; and they are doing that today in Jericho, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and in other predominately Arab communities. Many Palestinians do not want to live under Palestinian rule; they, too, have seen what has happened in Gaza.
The Prime Minister leaves today, I believe, having stood his ground with the President. I believe he has the support of the majority of the Israeli people. Yes, dialogue needs to continue between Israel and each of her neighbors. What is needed is a peace, not a peaceful truce.
It behooves us, as Christians, to continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Real peace is coming in the person of the Messiah Jesus Christ. Oh may He come soon!
As one would guess, two agenda items dominated the discussions between the Prime Minister and our President: what to do with a nuclear Iran, and how to create a two-state solution with the Palestinians. On the subject of Iran, President Obama said that he favored increasing international sanctions against Iran, primarily in limiting and taxing Iranian imports of gasoline and other fuels (seems the Iranians have the oil but do not know how to refine it). He said that he would give the Iranians until the end of the year to dismantle their nuclear capabilities, but the way he expressed it really leaves the threat open-ended. Meanwhile, Israel sits with a target on its back. Will Israel do a pre-emptive strike as it did against Egypt and Syria in 1967? They certainly are preparing for such a strike. The Israeli Air Force has been doing practice runs from Israel to Gibraltar and back, even doing in air refueling. That is the distance to Iran. And the Israeli Army is deploying a new anti-missile shield to protect them from missiles launched from Iran. [Just this morning, May 20, the Iranians successfully launched a missile capable of delivering a warhead some 2000 miles, meaning that all of Israel and our Middle East military bases would be vulnerable.]
On the second issue, that of the "two-state solution," President Obama said that this was the only way to insure peace in the Middle East. And pressure is now being applied to Israel to yield to this solution. In addition, the European Union, Russia, and now China have joined in singing that same song. The Israeli Prime Minister is not biting on that hook. I believe he has some strong reservations about how the Palestinians would govern themselves. And this is not without evidence, just witness what has happened in Gaza. His solution is to help develop the Palestinians through economic means and through other forms of service. Yes, the Palestinians need to govern themselves; and they are doing that today in Jericho, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and in other predominately Arab communities. Many Palestinians do not want to live under Palestinian rule; they, too, have seen what has happened in Gaza.
The Prime Minister leaves today, I believe, having stood his ground with the President. I believe he has the support of the majority of the Israeli people. Yes, dialogue needs to continue between Israel and each of her neighbors. What is needed is a peace, not a peaceful truce.
It behooves us, as Christians, to continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Real peace is coming in the person of the Messiah Jesus Christ. Oh may He come soon!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Change - Part of Life
"Change" - this seems to be the watchword of our times. It definitely was the theme of the last presidential election. Now we are getting the change we voted for. Change - is the subliminal thought behind every television, magazine, or billboard ad. Change from Coke to Pepsi; from Pizza Hut to Domino's; from Chevy to Ford. Change - is a part of life.
I reflect upon the many changes that have taken place in my lifetime. We have gone from steam powered locomotives to diesel trains to hardly any trains at all. (I remember, as a boy, we used to go down to the local train station on the weekends to watch the trains come in; and when the first diesel came through town, it was a celebration). We have gone from propeller driven airplanes to jets to jumbo-planes capable of carrying hundreds of people to rockets taking people deep into space. We have gone from a telephone system where you went through a live operator, whom you got to know, to rotary dialing, then to touch-tone dialing, and now to a phone that will give you news, weather, and sports. There are times when I feel like I have been victimized by change. I want things to stay the same...at least for a few hours anyway.
Our society has changed. Social mores that were once held in high esteem are now passe. What was once considered to be wrong is now acceptable behavior. Words that I grew up knowing to mean one thing, now mean something entirely different; think how the word "gay" has changed.
And we have experienced change in our churches. Worship styles have changed. Pastoral ministry has changed. And even community life within the church has changed. I have to be honest, there are times when I feel like I am on the "outside looking in." This is not the church that I grew up in.
And so I scream, at least once or twice a week, if not more often, "Is there someplace where I can go where change is put on the back shelf, at least for a while?" I then turn to the Bible and find solace in the familiar, yet never-changing stories it provides. Every time, David always defeats Goliath. Every time, Jesus always raises Lazarus from the dead. Every time, Easter always follows Good Friday. The truths of the Scripture never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. My understanding of Him may change and, hopefully does change; but He never changes.
Change - I guess it is something we just continue to live with. It probably will not slow down, and I probably will never keep up. I'll leave that for my grandchildren. But I can rest upon the unchanging character of God and let Him be my Rock in the midst of changing times.
I reflect upon the many changes that have taken place in my lifetime. We have gone from steam powered locomotives to diesel trains to hardly any trains at all. (I remember, as a boy, we used to go down to the local train station on the weekends to watch the trains come in; and when the first diesel came through town, it was a celebration). We have gone from propeller driven airplanes to jets to jumbo-planes capable of carrying hundreds of people to rockets taking people deep into space. We have gone from a telephone system where you went through a live operator, whom you got to know, to rotary dialing, then to touch-tone dialing, and now to a phone that will give you news, weather, and sports. There are times when I feel like I have been victimized by change. I want things to stay the same...at least for a few hours anyway.
Our society has changed. Social mores that were once held in high esteem are now passe. What was once considered to be wrong is now acceptable behavior. Words that I grew up knowing to mean one thing, now mean something entirely different; think how the word "gay" has changed.
And we have experienced change in our churches. Worship styles have changed. Pastoral ministry has changed. And even community life within the church has changed. I have to be honest, there are times when I feel like I am on the "outside looking in." This is not the church that I grew up in.
And so I scream, at least once or twice a week, if not more often, "Is there someplace where I can go where change is put on the back shelf, at least for a while?" I then turn to the Bible and find solace in the familiar, yet never-changing stories it provides. Every time, David always defeats Goliath. Every time, Jesus always raises Lazarus from the dead. Every time, Easter always follows Good Friday. The truths of the Scripture never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. My understanding of Him may change and, hopefully does change; but He never changes.
Change - I guess it is something we just continue to live with. It probably will not slow down, and I probably will never keep up. I'll leave that for my grandchildren. But I can rest upon the unchanging character of God and let Him be my Rock in the midst of changing times.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
How Then Can We Live?
I have had the privilege this past year of spending my devotional time in the book of Ezekiel. I have read it through dozens of times, and I believe I am finally getting a handle on the significant teachings of the book - not an easy task, I can assure you.
This morning, as I was reading through a selected group of chapters in preparation for a discussion I would be leading on them this evening, God spoke to my heart through a question found in Ezekiel 33:10 - "How then can we live?" Immediately, I was reminded of a book Dr. Francis Schaeffer published back in 1976 whose titled echoed that very question - How Should We Then Live?
Dr. Schaeffer's book was a great study of the rise and decline of Western culture and thought. At the time of its publication, it was a prophetic message aimed at helping the Western world understand why its collapse seemed imminent. It still is a book that should be read and studied for its truths have not diminished with the passage of nearly 30 years. In fact, they have only become more pronounced.
The context for the question in Ezekiel 33 is very interesting. For over 10 years the prophet has been sounding the alarm concerning the consequences of sinful behavior on the part of Judah and, for the most part, it has fallen upon deaf ears. Yet Ezekiel has faithfully acted as the watchman on the wall. Suddenly the people begin to respond: "Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them" (Ezekiel 33:10). This is the first statement in the book where the people begin to take ownership that the problems they are experiencing come from their own sinfulness. Yet that very ownership brings them to the point of despair: "How then can we live?"
As I have shared in many previous articles, sin always has consequences. And the most devastating consequence is death. Remember Paul's words to the Roman believers: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:23). And I don't believe that death is always just a personal consequence; I believe cultures can die because of sin as well. I believe the Jewish leaders in Ezekiel's day came to understand that the very culture of Judaism was in danger of dying because of their sinful habits. Could the hand of God's judgment be stayed? Was it still possible to turn the nation around?
Now what I found most intriguing was God's response, found in the very next verse: "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'" "How then can we live?" The answer: "Turn from your wicked ways and find new life in God, who is life itself."
I find two truths in this text: First, healing of a nation, a culture, a civilization can only occur when people realize their sinful behavior and then take ownership of their own actions. No more blaming someone else. No more playing the role of a victim. No more waiting for someone else to take the initiative. (Is our nation taking ownership of its sinful choices? Not only is there the flaunting of sinful choices openly, but Congress seems poised to enact legislation making any discussion of the sinfulness of those choices a violation of law.) Second, healing of a nation, a culture, a civilization can only occur when people cry out to God and accept His solution for the problems that confront them. No more depending upon a government solution. No more waiting for a government bailout.
In the light of being in a world whose moral and ethical values seem to be spiralling downward, how then can we live? We find significance and real life in Christ Jesus Himself. He will give us a new heart and a new spirit. And, perhaps, just perhaps, our nation can be saved.
This morning, as I was reading through a selected group of chapters in preparation for a discussion I would be leading on them this evening, God spoke to my heart through a question found in Ezekiel 33:10 - "How then can we live?" Immediately, I was reminded of a book Dr. Francis Schaeffer published back in 1976 whose titled echoed that very question - How Should We Then Live?
Dr. Schaeffer's book was a great study of the rise and decline of Western culture and thought. At the time of its publication, it was a prophetic message aimed at helping the Western world understand why its collapse seemed imminent. It still is a book that should be read and studied for its truths have not diminished with the passage of nearly 30 years. In fact, they have only become more pronounced.
The context for the question in Ezekiel 33 is very interesting. For over 10 years the prophet has been sounding the alarm concerning the consequences of sinful behavior on the part of Judah and, for the most part, it has fallen upon deaf ears. Yet Ezekiel has faithfully acted as the watchman on the wall. Suddenly the people begin to respond: "Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them" (Ezekiel 33:10). This is the first statement in the book where the people begin to take ownership that the problems they are experiencing come from their own sinfulness. Yet that very ownership brings them to the point of despair: "How then can we live?"
As I have shared in many previous articles, sin always has consequences. And the most devastating consequence is death. Remember Paul's words to the Roman believers: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:23). And I don't believe that death is always just a personal consequence; I believe cultures can die because of sin as well. I believe the Jewish leaders in Ezekiel's day came to understand that the very culture of Judaism was in danger of dying because of their sinful habits. Could the hand of God's judgment be stayed? Was it still possible to turn the nation around?
Now what I found most intriguing was God's response, found in the very next verse: "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'" "How then can we live?" The answer: "Turn from your wicked ways and find new life in God, who is life itself."
I find two truths in this text: First, healing of a nation, a culture, a civilization can only occur when people realize their sinful behavior and then take ownership of their own actions. No more blaming someone else. No more playing the role of a victim. No more waiting for someone else to take the initiative. (Is our nation taking ownership of its sinful choices? Not only is there the flaunting of sinful choices openly, but Congress seems poised to enact legislation making any discussion of the sinfulness of those choices a violation of law.) Second, healing of a nation, a culture, a civilization can only occur when people cry out to God and accept His solution for the problems that confront them. No more depending upon a government solution. No more waiting for a government bailout.
In the light of being in a world whose moral and ethical values seem to be spiralling downward, how then can we live? We find significance and real life in Christ Jesus Himself. He will give us a new heart and a new spirit. And, perhaps, just perhaps, our nation can be saved.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
There is Joy in Serving Jesus - Is That Really True?
Recently the words of an old hymn flooded my mind. The song was written by Oswald J. Smith, pastor of the Toronto (Canada) Bible Church for many years and one of the great missionary-evangelists of the last century. The words of the first verse go: "There is joy in serving Jesus, As I journey on my way. Joy that fills the heart with praises, Every hour and every day." Then the chorus: "There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus, Joy that throbs within my heart; Every moment, every hour, As I draw upon His power, There is joy, joy, joy that never shall depart." Now I have not heard this song, well in years. It certainly is not part of the repertoire of modern church music. I wonder why?
Perhaps it is because we have lost that joy that comes in serving Jesus. We have forgotten how wonderfully blessed we are to share His love with others. We have become too consumed with the cares of this world. We are too absorbed with the burden of living that we have forgotten the reason for life itself.
Throughout the Scripture we are commanded to be joyful. Be joyful in our praise to God - "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth." Well, we make noise, but I wonder how much joy there is in our praise? We are to be joyful at all times and in all things - "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." If that is the case, then why is there so much grumbling being done. At times we sound like the children of Israel as they came out of Egypt...never satisfied with what God supplies for us. And we are to serve the Lord with joy - "serve the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing." Yet I see little joy today in ministry. Pastors are burdened with the cares of a troubled financial world and of having to balance truth with tolerance. Worship leaders are burdened with the contest between traditional versus contemporary. Leaders of non-profit groups battle the increased needs with the increased lack of funds. Joy...don't bother me with joy! It is a fight for survival!
I am reminded of those final words of Jesus to His disciples. Included is this admonition: "In the world you will have tribulations; be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." Joy is not a product of looking at my circumstances. Joy is the product of my relationship with Jesus Christ. And therein lies the reason for our lack of joy today. We focus more time and energy upon our circumstances than upon our relationship.
"Lord, restore to me the joy of ministry; the joy of serving You. Restore to me the joy of sharing Your love and Your Word with others!"
Perhaps it is because we have lost that joy that comes in serving Jesus. We have forgotten how wonderfully blessed we are to share His love with others. We have become too consumed with the cares of this world. We are too absorbed with the burden of living that we have forgotten the reason for life itself.
Throughout the Scripture we are commanded to be joyful. Be joyful in our praise to God - "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth." Well, we make noise, but I wonder how much joy there is in our praise? We are to be joyful at all times and in all things - "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." If that is the case, then why is there so much grumbling being done. At times we sound like the children of Israel as they came out of Egypt...never satisfied with what God supplies for us. And we are to serve the Lord with joy - "serve the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing." Yet I see little joy today in ministry. Pastors are burdened with the cares of a troubled financial world and of having to balance truth with tolerance. Worship leaders are burdened with the contest between traditional versus contemporary. Leaders of non-profit groups battle the increased needs with the increased lack of funds. Joy...don't bother me with joy! It is a fight for survival!
I am reminded of those final words of Jesus to His disciples. Included is this admonition: "In the world you will have tribulations; be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." Joy is not a product of looking at my circumstances. Joy is the product of my relationship with Jesus Christ. And therein lies the reason for our lack of joy today. We focus more time and energy upon our circumstances than upon our relationship.
"Lord, restore to me the joy of ministry; the joy of serving You. Restore to me the joy of sharing Your love and Your Word with others!"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ready for the Return of Christ?
Let me ask you a very personal question: Do you believe that Jesus Christ could return at any moment? Do you believe that He could come even today before you complete the reading of this blog? Do I believe that Jesus could come even before I complete the writing of it? If your answer is as mine - a strong, enthusiastic "yes!" - then I need to ask another question: How does that belief affect the way you live?
This past Sunday - April 19 - Marlys and I had the privilege to attend the first service of a Prophetic Conference held at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, MN. The speaker was a friend who had spoken in two of my previous churches. Dr. David Larson is recognized as being one of the authorities on prophetic scripture. Sunday morning he spoke on how belief in the Rapture of the Church should impact our lifestyle. The message was simple, yet powerful. His text was Luke 12:35-48.
As Dr. Larson expounded on this text, the thought impressed upon my own heart was this: Is the way I conduct my life today different because I believe Jesus Christ could return at any moment? Are my priorities affected because of this belief? Or can people say of me, "Well he talks a good talk about Christ's coming, but he certainly does not reflect it in his life."
I am saddened to say that probably the last response is more typical - at least for many of us. Oh yes we believe in the coming Rapture, and some even pray daily that that event would come. But we continue to live as if we had all the time in the world. As a dear friend of mine continually reminds me, "We need to be snatching people from the fire." And he is correct. And that is what he and his family is doing.
In the Luke text, Jesus admonishes those to whom He told this parable, that they should be ready for His coming because it could come at any time. If I truly believe that, then I will want to keep my life freed from the influences of sin. That means I will guard what I view on television and on my computer screen. I will guard what I hear with the music I listen to. The Apostle John reminded his readers that Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure (1 John 3:2). So, let's keep our spiritual homes clean.
Second, the text admonishes us to be working when Jesus comes. Now what kind of work would Jesus expect from His followers? First, there is the imperative of evangelism...telling lost souls how they can find rest in Christ. Second, there is the imperative of discipleship...helping saved souls find strength for the battle in Christ.
My friends, personally I do not believe anything further needs to be accomplished before Christ could come to take His Bride to His home. All around us I am seeing those signs that point toward the Advent of Christ as King who will reign upon the throne of David in Jerusalem for 1000 years. And, if those are the harbingers of that great event, then the return of Christ for His Church must be only moments away.
It is time we begin to live as a people who truly believe that Jesus Christ is coming again! Yes, our Redemption soon draws nigh! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
This past Sunday - April 19 - Marlys and I had the privilege to attend the first service of a Prophetic Conference held at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, MN. The speaker was a friend who had spoken in two of my previous churches. Dr. David Larson is recognized as being one of the authorities on prophetic scripture. Sunday morning he spoke on how belief in the Rapture of the Church should impact our lifestyle. The message was simple, yet powerful. His text was Luke 12:35-48.
As Dr. Larson expounded on this text, the thought impressed upon my own heart was this: Is the way I conduct my life today different because I believe Jesus Christ could return at any moment? Are my priorities affected because of this belief? Or can people say of me, "Well he talks a good talk about Christ's coming, but he certainly does not reflect it in his life."
I am saddened to say that probably the last response is more typical - at least for many of us. Oh yes we believe in the coming Rapture, and some even pray daily that that event would come. But we continue to live as if we had all the time in the world. As a dear friend of mine continually reminds me, "We need to be snatching people from the fire." And he is correct. And that is what he and his family is doing.
In the Luke text, Jesus admonishes those to whom He told this parable, that they should be ready for His coming because it could come at any time. If I truly believe that, then I will want to keep my life freed from the influences of sin. That means I will guard what I view on television and on my computer screen. I will guard what I hear with the music I listen to. The Apostle John reminded his readers that Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure (1 John 3:2). So, let's keep our spiritual homes clean.
Second, the text admonishes us to be working when Jesus comes. Now what kind of work would Jesus expect from His followers? First, there is the imperative of evangelism...telling lost souls how they can find rest in Christ. Second, there is the imperative of discipleship...helping saved souls find strength for the battle in Christ.
My friends, personally I do not believe anything further needs to be accomplished before Christ could come to take His Bride to His home. All around us I am seeing those signs that point toward the Advent of Christ as King who will reign upon the throne of David in Jerusalem for 1000 years. And, if those are the harbingers of that great event, then the return of Christ for His Church must be only moments away.
It is time we begin to live as a people who truly believe that Jesus Christ is coming again! Yes, our Redemption soon draws nigh! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Tea-Party for Tax Day
Today, April 15, is that dreaded day known as "Tax Day." If you have not filed your income tax return for 2008 by midnight tonight, or have filed for an extension, then you will join a long list of people known as tax-evaders. It is a law in the United States that everyone pays an income tax.
I have often been asked if Jesus paid taxes. The Bible tells us that He did. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus and His disciples had hardly time to get settled into their accommodations in Capernaum, when Peter was approached by the collectors of the temple-tax. He was asked if Jesus paid the required tax for the upkeep of the temple. Peter replied that Jesus did. Then Jesus invites Peter to go fishing and upon catching the first fish he should open its mouth and find enough money to pay the temple-tax for both Jesus and himself.
On yet another occasion, Jesus was confronted by a group of Pharisees and Herodians who desired to entrap Him. They asked Jesus if they should pay taxes to Caesar or not. Now we need to remember that the Roman government certainly was not one of the most popular. Tiberius Caesar had done his share to antagonize the Jewish people in Judea. His government was full of corruption, and Tiberius himself was often under a cloud of suspicion. Why should I pay my hard-earned money to keep a government in power with which I strongly disagree?
Now, before we look at Jesus' response, let's put this conversation into a contemporary setting. Should a Christian pay his or her taxes? I don't know about you, but I cannot whole-heartedly endorse what this present administration is doing. I am strongly opposed to the concept of a government that is spending itself into bankruptcy yet does not recognize that danger. I am strongly opposed to a government that has used my hard-earned money to bailout those who knowingly made wrong choices. If I am penalized because I make a wrong choice, then should not others suffer the same consequences? Because I have these feelings should I just refuse to pay my taxes?
Well, what did Jesus say? Show me the coin used for paying the tax. ... Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription? ... Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:19-21). In other words Jesus says, "The coin bears the mark of the Roman government. Then give that coin to the government when it is demanded of you." The Apostle Paul would echo this with these words to the Romans: This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes... (Romans 13:6-7).
But today, April 15, has been declared TEA Party Day, and throughout the country hundreds of thousands of people are meeting in community centers, on state capital grounds, in civic centers to protest the misuse by the government of our tax money. Many have been encouraged to send a tea-bag to their congressional representatives and even to the White House. This day is predicated upon the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773 in which, to protest the increased taxation on the Colonies by the British government, hundreds of boxes of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor. Many historians believed that this act ignited the American Revolution. Could such a "tea party" today lead to a similar revolution? Could such a public demonstration get the attention of our nation's leadership and remind them to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers money? I guess time will tell.
I trust you have paid your taxes, not only as an act of obedience to a governmental edict, but also as an act of obedience to God. And I also trust you will consider the grassroots effort to hold government more accountable for your tax dollars. I believe both could be a strong testimony of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
I have often been asked if Jesus paid taxes. The Bible tells us that He did. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus and His disciples had hardly time to get settled into their accommodations in Capernaum, when Peter was approached by the collectors of the temple-tax. He was asked if Jesus paid the required tax for the upkeep of the temple. Peter replied that Jesus did. Then Jesus invites Peter to go fishing and upon catching the first fish he should open its mouth and find enough money to pay the temple-tax for both Jesus and himself.
On yet another occasion, Jesus was confronted by a group of Pharisees and Herodians who desired to entrap Him. They asked Jesus if they should pay taxes to Caesar or not. Now we need to remember that the Roman government certainly was not one of the most popular. Tiberius Caesar had done his share to antagonize the Jewish people in Judea. His government was full of corruption, and Tiberius himself was often under a cloud of suspicion. Why should I pay my hard-earned money to keep a government in power with which I strongly disagree?
Now, before we look at Jesus' response, let's put this conversation into a contemporary setting. Should a Christian pay his or her taxes? I don't know about you, but I cannot whole-heartedly endorse what this present administration is doing. I am strongly opposed to the concept of a government that is spending itself into bankruptcy yet does not recognize that danger. I am strongly opposed to a government that has used my hard-earned money to bailout those who knowingly made wrong choices. If I am penalized because I make a wrong choice, then should not others suffer the same consequences? Because I have these feelings should I just refuse to pay my taxes?
Well, what did Jesus say? Show me the coin used for paying the tax. ... Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription? ... Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:19-21). In other words Jesus says, "The coin bears the mark of the Roman government. Then give that coin to the government when it is demanded of you." The Apostle Paul would echo this with these words to the Romans: This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes... (Romans 13:6-7).
But today, April 15, has been declared TEA Party Day, and throughout the country hundreds of thousands of people are meeting in community centers, on state capital grounds, in civic centers to protest the misuse by the government of our tax money. Many have been encouraged to send a tea-bag to their congressional representatives and even to the White House. This day is predicated upon the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773 in which, to protest the increased taxation on the Colonies by the British government, hundreds of boxes of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor. Many historians believed that this act ignited the American Revolution. Could such a "tea party" today lead to a similar revolution? Could such a public demonstration get the attention of our nation's leadership and remind them to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers money? I guess time will tell.
I trust you have paid your taxes, not only as an act of obedience to a governmental edict, but also as an act of obedience to God. And I also trust you will consider the grassroots effort to hold government more accountable for your tax dollars. I believe both could be a strong testimony of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
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