It is tax time again. It is interesting to note places taxes are mentioned in the Bible. Citizens were subject to assessment and were burdened with taxes (2 Kings 23:35; Esther 10:1). There was a flat tax (1 Samuel 8:15). People had to borrow money to pay their taxes (Nehemiah 5:4). Some were arrested for tax evasion (2 Kings 17:4). Clergy claimed an exemption (Ezra 7:24). Tax collector’s were not well thought of (Matthew 18:17) and were advised not to cheat others in performing their duties(Luke 3:12-13). By the same token, those paying taxes were not to cheat the government either (Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). It was taxation (Per capita) that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus paid taxes and provided the funds for one of His disciples to pay what he owed (Matthew 17:24-27). He ate with many tax collectors (Mark 2:15) and even called one of them to be His disciple (Luke 5:27-28). A tax collector even wrote one of the Gospels (Mathew 9:9). Taxes have been a part of society for a long time. It is necessary for governments to protect its citizens and provide for the common good, and that is why its citizens are to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7).
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Rendering Unto Caesar
It is tax time again. It is interesting to note places taxes are mentioned in the Bible. Citizens were subject to assessment and were burdened with taxes (2 Kings 23:35; Esther 10:1). There was a flat tax (1 Samuel 8:15). People had to borrow money to pay their taxes (Nehemiah 5:4). Some were arrested for tax evasion (2 Kings 17:4). Clergy claimed an exemption (Ezra 7:24). Tax collector’s were not well thought of (Matthew 18:17) and were advised not to cheat others in performing their duties(Luke 3:12-13). By the same token, those paying taxes were not to cheat the government either (Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). It was taxation (Per capita) that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-5). Jesus paid taxes and provided the funds for one of His disciples to pay what he owed (Matthew 17:24-27). He ate with many tax collectors (Mark 2:15) and even called one of them to be His disciple (Luke 5:27-28). A tax collector even wrote one of the Gospels (Mathew 9:9). Taxes have been a part of society for a long time. It is necessary for governments to protect its citizens and provide for the common good, and that is why its citizens are to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7).
Monday, January 23, 2012
Fast Food
I like fast food, but fast food does not like me. It is notoriously high in calories and fat. When it comes to nutrition our home cooked food is usually the most nutritious. Similarly, when we look to spiritual fare, not everything that is quick, attractively packaged,and easily consumed is good for you. It may be convenient, but that does not mean it is nutritious. Nutritious fare that feeds us spiritually may take a little more time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. Those who really hunger for spiritual truth will examine the scriptures (Acts 17:11). If bread for the belly is important, how much more important is spiritual food (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4)?There is no shortage of fast food joints that offer quick devotional material. Many are willing to offer prepackaged fare that is false and unhealthy (Jeremiah 8:8; 1 Timothy 6:3-5). It may look and sound good, but it is far from healthy. They may promise a delicious meal to eat, but in reality, it may not be all that good for you. It is our responsibility to seek healthy food (1 Peter 2:2). When we take the time to really dig in and study the Word of God we find it to be good food (Psalm 119:103; Jeremiah 15:16), If you are really hungry for good food, don’t settle for fast food. We are invited to a banquet table with the richest of fare, so why would we want to settle for that which really does not satisfy (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 22:1-4).
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Spiritual Surgery
The Bible addresses us as the Word of God. It has authority and power. It is meant to be obeyed and to show us the way (Psalm 119:101, 105). That is why it is called a light. It also shines in our hearts (2 Peter 1:19) to show us who we are and where we come up short. God does this so that we will know ourselves more clearly and see what needs to be added or removed in our lives to fall in line with his will and to live lives pleasing to Him.
It is interesting that God's Word is sometimes referred to as a sword (Ephesians 6:17). A sword cuts, and sometimes it cuts both ways (Hebrews 4:12). Spiritually, God attends His Word with the Holy Spirit. When He speaks to us through His Word it is the job of the Holy Spirit to show us where we come up short and to make us feel the need to make things right. This is called conviction. God makes us sorry we have not done as we ought to have done things (2 Corinthians 7:10-13).
Conviction is meant to lead us to repentance and to separate us from sin (Matthew 3:8; Romans 2:4). As a sword it is able to cut through our defenses. God uses it to discipline and correct. Though tears may come when we realize our sin, joy comes as we begin to understand that it is not too late (Acts 11:18). God does not send conviction to those he has given up on. He sends conviction in order to work in us what is pleasing to him (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:21). He is a great craftsman. The more He works on us, the more we are made into His image. God performs precision surgery with his written Word. A Bible becomes a Surgical instrument so that we might be crafted into his workmanship. May our lives show that they have been transformed by the hand of the great surgeon (Titus 2:11-14).
It is interesting that God's Word is sometimes referred to as a sword (Ephesians 6:17). A sword cuts, and sometimes it cuts both ways (Hebrews 4:12). Spiritually, God attends His Word with the Holy Spirit. When He speaks to us through His Word it is the job of the Holy Spirit to show us where we come up short and to make us feel the need to make things right. This is called conviction. God makes us sorry we have not done as we ought to have done things (2 Corinthians 7:10-13).
Conviction is meant to lead us to repentance and to separate us from sin (Matthew 3:8; Romans 2:4). As a sword it is able to cut through our defenses. God uses it to discipline and correct. Though tears may come when we realize our sin, joy comes as we begin to understand that it is not too late (Acts 11:18). God does not send conviction to those he has given up on. He sends conviction in order to work in us what is pleasing to him (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:21). He is a great craftsman. The more He works on us, the more we are made into His image. God performs precision surgery with his written Word. A Bible becomes a Surgical instrument so that we might be crafted into his workmanship. May our lives show that they have been transformed by the hand of the great surgeon (Titus 2:11-14).
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