THE WORD 4 ev 1

Read Matthew 22 (click here for link)

Happy Anniversary! It has been exactly one month since we began the adventure of reading through the New Testament Scriptures. I hope you have been as blessed by it as I have been; although, I must confess that there were times I dreaded waking up early to write the morning’s post. Yet, I have been amazed at how frequently I have found myself discovering and re-discovering bits of Scripture and learning new things based upon the greater context.

Today, I found myself thinking about Jesus words “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Jesus said this after taking a Roman coin and asking whose image the coin bore. I found myself suddenly thinking of these words also: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

If image determines ownership, then we must give back what is due. Jesus is pretty clear on that. If you ever find yourself believing that you are your own—doing things on your own time—recall these words: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am…” (John 17:24). Perhaps also these words: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

I know how we all can at times balk at giving of our money for taxes and even our tithe, but money is nothing compared to what else God lays claim to in our lives. He has created us. He has given us his name in baptism. We are not our own. Indeed, we are his! Be entirely HIS.

How do I do this? How do I surrender everything?

Lord, help me to come to terms with such questions as I come to terms with my prayer, “Thy will be done…”

Blessings,
Pastor Aaron