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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
It was a trick question but the answer was disarming. After a few flattering words out it came. “Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
If Jesus Christ said “No” he could be charged with treason. If he said “Yes” he could be accused of siding with Rome.
Jesus called for a coin and asked whose face was on the coin. Recognising that it was the Emperor’s portrait, Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
If ‘Caesar’ provides you with an army for your protection, pay him. If ‘Caesar’ provides you with a Health Service, Education and Police, pay him.
Israel benefited in so many ways from what was called the Pax Romana. There was a degree of peace across the Roman Empire. It was possible to travel anywhere in comparative safety, and without a passport, so pay up.
The Word of God is quite clear regarding our attitude to those in positions of authority, and rulers do not bear the sword for nothing. By the way, the sword was not for spanking.
Elsewhere we are taught to submit to those in authority. They are in office to punish those who do wrong, and commend those who do right.
The Government, bosses, managers, bankers, and all exercising an influential role, have a responsibility to observe and obey what God has said, because no man can improve upon that.
These spies who approached Jesus, attempting to ensnare and corner him, were not all that interested in taxes, and Jesus saw their duplicity. He could see right through them.
He knew what they were up to, and he took them one stage further than they were willing to go.
Jesus is exact, concise, compact and direct.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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