Daily Reading: Matthew 22
Scripture Focus: Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22.21)
Devotional Thought: I received a text from my middle daughter with a picture of my youngest grandchild - Ellis. The comment was simply: "Alright, so maybe she does look like Pahpooh!" (Pahpooh is what the grandkids call me...) I really don't see it, but some have said that Ellis has my likeness. I wouldn't wish that on anybody, but secretly I'm thrilled!
Jesus, in a discussion about paying taxes, said, "Show me the coin for the tax... Whose likeness and inscription is this?” (Matthew 22.19-20). The obvious answer was "Caesar's." The equally obvious response was "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."
The question remains, however, "What are God's things?" The answer? That which has the image of God inscribed upon it. You and I have been made in the image of God. Though marred by sin, we have his likeness and inscription. Erasmus, a Christian theologian from the 15th Century, wrote this: "Give back to God that which has the image and superscription of God - the soul."
Have you given God your soul - the very essence of your life? We try to substitute many things for this, trying to appease God with trinkets and treasures. God will settle, however, for nothing less than our very selves. Today, let us do what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12.1: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [your very selves] as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship [or reasonable service]."
Whose image do you bear?
Prayer: Father, thank you for making me in your image. I give myself to you completely and without reservation today. May I reflect your love and light in this world of hate and darkness. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 13 But I, O LORD, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. 14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? 15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. 16 Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me. 17 They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together. 18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness. (Psalms 88:13-18)
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