"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, 'Does your teacher not pay the tax?' He said, 'Yes.' And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?' And when he said, 'From others,' Jesus said to him, 'Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.' " - Matthew 17:24-27 ESV
Tolls and taxes. Entry fees and money that is owed because of a law that is passed that says so. Sons are not required to pay into their family in God's enconomy but God asks us to pay in for Him to the taxes and tolls of our lands. Interesting.
He sent a special provision to Peter so He could pay that tax.
This is a good passage to keep in mind when we think people, organizations or governments want to much from us with to little in return. We are not just paying for us. We are paying for Him also.
There is a balance to this. We don't just buckle under every burden. There is a time and a place for making waves so that change can come but I look at this passage and it helps me endure.
I'm so glad that in God's kingdom we are sons. He doesn't exact tolls that we must pay to go here or there. He doesn't tax us. We are free from that. There are many families that do toll and tax. God isn't like that.
Thank you God.
--
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
The Umpire Of Our Soul
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." - Colossians 3:15a ASV
That word 'rule' is the Greek word brabeuĊ (Strong's G1018) and it means to govern or umpire. This tiny passage hidden in Colossians is likely where the idea of 'Christ coming into our hearts' comes from.
Some folks have a problem with an altar call that leads people in a prayer to have Christ come into a person's heart and I understand why. Salvation is the promised result of believing.
"But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken, saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe." - Mark 5:36 ASV
"But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole." - Luke 8:50 ASV
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 ASV
Salvation comes when we believe. We don't save ourselves by our actions. God saves us when we believe. It isn't a work of any kind. It is trust. We open the door to the One who claims to be our friend and is the only One that has the legal right to save us because of His work on the cross.
"For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens." - Colossians 1:19-20 ASV
It says Jesus made peace with God the Father through the blood of His cross in the first chapter of Colossians.
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." - Colossians 3:15a ASV
We can allow this peace to govern us. It can become an umpire that makes rulings.
'Do I have peace about what I'm planning to do?'
'Does this reflect the love and forgiveness in Christ?'
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
For many fear is the unofficial umpire of their soul. If we have no peace there is a void. Fear fills that void and we do or don't do based on fear.
Only believe.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." - Ephesians 4:30 ESV
Peace can become our oasis. Peace can be our umpire. The peace Jesus has and has won for us becomes ours and no one can take it away. Perfect love makes a ruling and casts out fear.
--
That word 'rule' is the Greek word brabeuĊ (Strong's G1018) and it means to govern or umpire. This tiny passage hidden in Colossians is likely where the idea of 'Christ coming into our hearts' comes from.
Some folks have a problem with an altar call that leads people in a prayer to have Christ come into a person's heart and I understand why. Salvation is the promised result of believing.
"But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken, saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe." - Mark 5:36 ASV
"But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole." - Luke 8:50 ASV
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 ASV
Salvation comes when we believe. We don't save ourselves by our actions. God saves us when we believe. It isn't a work of any kind. It is trust. We open the door to the One who claims to be our friend and is the only One that has the legal right to save us because of His work on the cross.
"For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens." - Colossians 1:19-20 ASV
It says Jesus made peace with God the Father through the blood of His cross in the first chapter of Colossians.
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." - Colossians 3:15a ASV
We can allow this peace to govern us. It can become an umpire that makes rulings.
'Do I have peace about what I'm planning to do?'
'Does this reflect the love and forgiveness in Christ?'
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
For many fear is the unofficial umpire of their soul. If we have no peace there is a void. Fear fills that void and we do or don't do based on fear.
Only believe.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." - Ephesians 4:30 ESV
Peace can become our oasis. Peace can be our umpire. The peace Jesus has and has won for us becomes ours and no one can take it away. Perfect love makes a ruling and casts out fear.
--
Monday, February 13, 2017
Postponing Negative Reactions
A small but loaded phrase from the booklet I am reading...
'... it is always best to postpone negative reactions under the government of grace...'
Why? We have redemptive motivations.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." - Galatians 5:22-26 ESV
Patience, long suffering and self control are really thing God does in us and through us. We often have a moment of decision... a moment when we can look into the future instead of having a present reaction. A moment when the lit match that would ignite us is being held between our thumb and index finger. Will we drop it into the kindling or blow it out?
I want to keep in step with the Spirit. I choose to let the mind of Christ dwell in me richly and look to a redemptive future.
We all can have sore spots that cause us to flinch if touched but the choice to bare our teeth or not is ours. Mercy gives what isn't deserved and grace assigns favor based on God's value system. Reacting isn't going to ease the pain and God has healing in His wings if that is where we choose to dwell.
"Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities." - Isaiah 53:11 ESV
"For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." - Hebrews 2:10 ESV
Jesus came as a servant and learned something from it. He was perfected through the suffering of his passion (his journey to the cross). That is baffling to think about but it is true. The God-man learned something this way?
He came into the journey to the cross with redemptive knowledge and a redemptive attitude and He came through it 'perfected.' Wow. God can do that for us also... on a different scale but it is the same dynamic.
Are we available for that? Perhaps our rights and opinions mean more to us than they should.
--
'... it is always best to postpone negative reactions under the government of grace...'
Why? We have redemptive motivations.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." - Galatians 5:22-26 ESV
Patience, long suffering and self control are really thing God does in us and through us. We often have a moment of decision... a moment when we can look into the future instead of having a present reaction. A moment when the lit match that would ignite us is being held between our thumb and index finger. Will we drop it into the kindling or blow it out?
I want to keep in step with the Spirit. I choose to let the mind of Christ dwell in me richly and look to a redemptive future.
We all can have sore spots that cause us to flinch if touched but the choice to bare our teeth or not is ours. Mercy gives what isn't deserved and grace assigns favor based on God's value system. Reacting isn't going to ease the pain and God has healing in His wings if that is where we choose to dwell.
"Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities." - Isaiah 53:11 ESV
"For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." - Hebrews 2:10 ESV
Jesus came as a servant and learned something from it. He was perfected through the suffering of his passion (his journey to the cross). That is baffling to think about but it is true. The God-man learned something this way?
He came into the journey to the cross with redemptive knowledge and a redemptive attitude and He came through it 'perfected.' Wow. God can do that for us also... on a different scale but it is the same dynamic.
Are we available for that? Perhaps our rights and opinions mean more to us than they should.
--
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
The Dignified And The Efficient
What do you do when you just can't get along with someone?
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." - Philippians 4:2 ESV
Watchman Nee's take on the book of Philippians is that Paul has the conflict between these two women in his mind as he writes this whole book. The book isn't about them. It is written to everyone but this conflict is a primal human conflict. Two women who just can't agree... not because one is right and the other wrong... no... they are just people and people just don't get along sometimes.
They can't work it out with each other but the Spirit gives them different advice...
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." - Philippians 2:12-18 ESV
Walter Bagehot wrote a book in 1867 about the British Constitution and in it he breaks that document into two great ideals. He says that all great documents about governance can be broken into these two parts. The 'dignified' and the 'efficient.' The dignified represents glorious ideals and timeless truths. The English Monarchy should, in the Victorian mind, represent the dignified. Advising but only when ideals are involved. Ruling as examples of dignity. The efficient aspect represents the action of governance. The practical day to day work of completing tasks or making necessary changes. Both need each other and both must be in balance.
The British Constitution isn't scripture but we can see these two concepts in scripture can't we?
Jesus dying on a cross is the ultimate dignified act done by the ultimate person. He was and Is dignity incarnate and His dignity dignifies us if we let the Spirit work efficiently in us.
Paul points these two women, and all of mankind, that struggles in conflict to the dignity of the cross. If that dignity is the advising example then we can be governed by love efficiently because The Spirit of God works in us and is always in tune with the dignity of the Trinity.
We can rejoice in a crooked world that amplifies conflict and division if we behold the cross and 'work it out' with God.
"...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13 ESV
If the cross is our point of reference we can find a way past every obstacle because God does it in us and through us.
One day we will be face to face with the dignified One. He Is full of grace and truth. Let's stand and rest with our eyes fixed on Him as we deal with what must be dealt with in our day to day lives. He makes all the difference in every situation. His finished work counsels us in amazing practical ways moment to moment.
--
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." - Philippians 4:2 ESV
Watchman Nee's take on the book of Philippians is that Paul has the conflict between these two women in his mind as he writes this whole book. The book isn't about them. It is written to everyone but this conflict is a primal human conflict. Two women who just can't agree... not because one is right and the other wrong... no... they are just people and people just don't get along sometimes.
They can't work it out with each other but the Spirit gives them different advice...
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." - Philippians 2:12-18 ESV
Walter Bagehot wrote a book in 1867 about the British Constitution and in it he breaks that document into two great ideals. He says that all great documents about governance can be broken into these two parts. The 'dignified' and the 'efficient.' The dignified represents glorious ideals and timeless truths. The English Monarchy should, in the Victorian mind, represent the dignified. Advising but only when ideals are involved. Ruling as examples of dignity. The efficient aspect represents the action of governance. The practical day to day work of completing tasks or making necessary changes. Both need each other and both must be in balance.
The British Constitution isn't scripture but we can see these two concepts in scripture can't we?
Jesus dying on a cross is the ultimate dignified act done by the ultimate person. He was and Is dignity incarnate and His dignity dignifies us if we let the Spirit work efficiently in us.
Paul points these two women, and all of mankind, that struggles in conflict to the dignity of the cross. If that dignity is the advising example then we can be governed by love efficiently because The Spirit of God works in us and is always in tune with the dignity of the Trinity.
We can rejoice in a crooked world that amplifies conflict and division if we behold the cross and 'work it out' with God.
"...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13 ESV
If the cross is our point of reference we can find a way past every obstacle because God does it in us and through us.
One day we will be face to face with the dignified One. He Is full of grace and truth. Let's stand and rest with our eyes fixed on Him as we deal with what must be dealt with in our day to day lives. He makes all the difference in every situation. His finished work counsels us in amazing practical ways moment to moment.
--
Thursday, May 26, 2016
The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Like...
I need to know what God's Kingdom is like. The Bible tells me.
"He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also...
...The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field...
...The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'...
...The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field...
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls...
...The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind...
And he said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.'... " - Matthew 13:24-26, 31, 33, 44-45, 47, 52 ESV
"...the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents..." - Matthew 18:23-24 ESV
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard..." - Matthew 20:1 ESV
"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son..." - Matthew 22:2 ESV
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise..." - Matthew 25:1-2 ESV
"He said therefore, 'What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches..." - Luke 13:18-19 ESV
His kingdom is gracious and generous. If you read each one you see something special. He has a net because He wants to redeem valuable things. He has a Son and He wants to throw a party for His Son. He wants people there for the celebration.
The Bible tells us a hundred things we could never know otherwise... a thousand. Reading it shows us the outside and the inside. It shows us Heaven and gives us glimpses of Hell.
"If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? " - John 14:7-9 ESV
We must know the Son to see what the kingdom is like from the inside.
As I read these passages this morning (I only gave the first line or two of each) I want the words to sink deep into my soul. I want the comparison to give me contrast as I make decisions.
What is God's kingdom like? Who am I seeking? I want my representation to be gracious so that the people who see me will see a contrast and not just more of the same.
--
"He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also...
...The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field...
...The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'...
...The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field...
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls...
...The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind...
And he said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.'... " - Matthew 13:24-26, 31, 33, 44-45, 47, 52 ESV
"...the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents..." - Matthew 18:23-24 ESV
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard..." - Matthew 20:1 ESV
"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son..." - Matthew 22:2 ESV
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise..." - Matthew 25:1-2 ESV
"He said therefore, 'What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches..." - Luke 13:18-19 ESV
His kingdom is gracious and generous. If you read each one you see something special. He has a net because He wants to redeem valuable things. He has a Son and He wants to throw a party for His Son. He wants people there for the celebration.
The Bible tells us a hundred things we could never know otherwise... a thousand. Reading it shows us the outside and the inside. It shows us Heaven and gives us glimpses of Hell.
"If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? " - John 14:7-9 ESV
We must know the Son to see what the kingdom is like from the inside.
As I read these passages this morning (I only gave the first line or two of each) I want the words to sink deep into my soul. I want the comparison to give me contrast as I make decisions.
What is God's kingdom like? Who am I seeking? I want my representation to be gracious so that the people who see me will see a contrast and not just more of the same.
--
Friday, April 3, 2015
Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God And His Righteousness
"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:22-24, 33-34 ESV
Food, clothing, security, a kingdom and a right standing... God adds. Yes, He adds.
We look to a governance that is beyond the human realm and God is faithful to those who look to Him. They have what He adds when He adds it. They can stand upright and not look at their shoes in shame.
The word 'added' there in verse 33 is interesting. It is Prostithemi (Strong's G4369) and it means join. God fuses things together. He adds them as useful living parts of us. He transplants them in.
This is a promise that God has given to us and people have had it through the ages. Strangers could look at the life of the believer they saw before them and see an imperfect person who had an outside force covering and protecting them. The stranger could not define it but the believer clearly defined it as divine. Those shining lights stood upright and looked at God with upturned faces.
This truth is always going to be challenged in our lives. Things are lost but we seek a kingdom and for every thing that is lost God is going to add something... many things.
Jesus lost His life on a Friday long ago but many people gained a kingdom because of His loss.
I'm seeking a kingdom today.
In that kingdom the work of salvation is finished. In that kingdom we have a place reserved at God's table that will hide our weakness and give us a white robe to wear that was made white by our Savior.
I'm looking there. It is my privilege. My eyes have been opened to it's existence. Hallelujah.
---
Food, clothing, security, a kingdom and a right standing... God adds. Yes, He adds.
We look to a governance that is beyond the human realm and God is faithful to those who look to Him. They have what He adds when He adds it. They can stand upright and not look at their shoes in shame.
The word 'added' there in verse 33 is interesting. It is Prostithemi (Strong's G4369) and it means join. God fuses things together. He adds them as useful living parts of us. He transplants them in.
This is a promise that God has given to us and people have had it through the ages. Strangers could look at the life of the believer they saw before them and see an imperfect person who had an outside force covering and protecting them. The stranger could not define it but the believer clearly defined it as divine. Those shining lights stood upright and looked at God with upturned faces.
This truth is always going to be challenged in our lives. Things are lost but we seek a kingdom and for every thing that is lost God is going to add something... many things.
Jesus lost His life on a Friday long ago but many people gained a kingdom because of His loss.
I'm seeking a kingdom today.
In that kingdom the work of salvation is finished. In that kingdom we have a place reserved at God's table that will hide our weakness and give us a white robe to wear that was made white by our Savior.
I'm looking there. It is my privilege. My eyes have been opened to it's existence. Hallelujah.
---
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