Devo Luke 20

19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him
immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they
were afraid of the people. 20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who
pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that
they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21So the
spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right,
and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with
the truth. 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  23He saw through
their duplicity and said to them, 24”Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and
inscription are on it?”  25”Caesar’s,” they replied.   He said to them, “Then give
to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  26They were unable to
trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they
became silent.
 
Meditation:
1. Jesus explained here that the demands of the state and the demands of God
are not the same.  He suggests it is possible to meet both at the same time, but
he never suggests that obeying one is exactly the same as obeying the other.
In fact, very soon, obedience to God would mean disobedience to the Roman
emperor.  The early church has defied the Jewish authorities, “We must obey
God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29).
2. On the demand of the state of personal income tax, and the demand of tithing
and offering for God’s church, how obedient am I?
3. In giving myself to God, am I in the 15%, 30%, 50% or 100% “tax bracket”?

Personal Note:
It is possible and in fact commanded by God to submit to God and the authorities.  I submit to governmental authorities out of the love and worship to God.  Obeying God will lead to obedience in all aspects of life.  I am willing to give 100% to God.