IT IS TIME TO RENDER YOURSELF TO GOD!

18^th FEBRUARY 2020

“Jesus said “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” – Matthew 22:21

The Pharisees and Herodians were common enemies, but they both came together as friends to fight against Jesus. They had asked Jesus; “is it right to pay tax to Caesar“? The Master answered them; “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God, what is God’s” They were surprised at the Master’s response. The question was asked so as to trap Jesus but they failed. The essence of their coming together was to fight against Jesus and to bring down His Ministry and then, to make the Master stumble in the presence of His disciples and the people who loved Him. Jesus’s response may have solved an immediate problem, but we have to look beyond the issue of tax in His response. Jesus’ statement also touches on; “our primary loyalties in life, about giving back to God what belongs to God – that which we owe Him”. I do not think we have trouble understanding what belongs to Caesar in that passage? In the case of Caesar, the image of Caesar was engraved on the coin used in paying the tax. However, today I want us to focus on what exactly belongs to God in that passage which we must give back to God. Just like the image of Caesar is engraved on what belongs to Caesar, so also is the image of God engraved on the things that belong to God. The scripture says you are an image of God (Ref. Genesis 1:26 – 27). This means, therefore, that you must give or render willingly of yourself to God without any reservation. How? Through service to God and to humanity! Beloved, Jesus is reminding us today that just as we pay tax to Caesar in fulfillment of an obligation, by rendering back to Caesar the coin on which his image was engraved, so we ought to render ourselves back to God in service, as an obligation to God. This is partly because we are of the image and likeness of God, and also due to the fact that we must act or show love like our father in heaven through service to one another. Unfortunately, not many of us believe in serving others; we are not inclined to giving willingly of ourselves to others in times of need or distress. When it comes to giving, the following WRONG preferences come to play:
1.    Some prefer to give their money to the church rather than give to those in need. This is not right. The church will always remain with us, but the distressed and the poor, though also here with us, will suffer more or die if not properly looked after. As you give to the church, also give to those in need.
2.    Some prefer to give to their church members only. That is not right. The good Samaritan went outside his kinsmen to render help to a dying man. Jesus commended the good Samaritan. You should also imitate the good Samaritan.
3.    Others prefer to give to their immediate family members only. That is not right. One day, you will need something which none of your immediate family members can provide. Then you will need others. Therefore, open your heart of love to embrace everyone no matter who they are!
The best form of service to God is service to humanity. Your service ought to go beyond your tribe, race, religion, church and families. Starting from today, embrace ALL, just like God loves the whole world without any exemption. When we serve humanity, we are serving the glory of God here on earth. How much service have you rendered to God since the beginning of this year? Today is offering you a good opportunity to start! Bring out yourself to serve the needs of others in the best way possible. When you do that, God will make you a channel for His divine providence to stream to humanity! When God begins to use you as a channel to bless others, you won’t lack anything anymore. In fact, you will become a victor in all situations!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I submit myself to you today and I ask that you use me mightily to serve your glory here on earth. Thank you, Father, for the opportunity and the capacity to serve others. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Romans 13:1; Mark 12:13-17; Gen 1:26-27