-November 5, 2020-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
-Render To The Governing Authorities What Is Due To Them, Whoever They Are-
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
(Romans 13:6-7).
Paying taxes is not the most popular thing one to do. It was not popular in the past or in the present. This was especially true in the days of Jesus and of the early church. The Roman government and those Jews collecting for them were so unpopular.
Two notable tax collectors in the NT were Matthew and Zacchaeus. Both got saved and bore the fruits of repentance and salvation. Both invited Jesus, His disciples, and their friends over to their homes to hear the gospel. The Lord changed their lives.
These tax collectors were hated by both the Jews and the Romans. As unpopular as taxes were, Paul tells us that we must pay. When the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked Him if it was lawful to pay taxes or not. They were trying trap Him in His words so they could report him to the Roman authorities or get Him in trouble with the common people. His answer silenced them when he replied, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21b).
We may not agree with our government authorities or like them, but we must respect them, honor them, and pray for them. Our country today is so divided that one half of the voters favor one presidential candidate and the other half favor the other one. As of today, two days after the election we still don’t have a clear winner.
Let us thank God for His will and commit ourselves to it. God appoints our leaders. Paul calls them ministers or servants. We have the freedom to vote, but once a leader is elected, we must pray for him and obey him.
Have a blessed day as the counting of the ballots continues and we pray for God’s choice. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 