Today’s Readings:
Tobit 2:9-14
Psalm 112:1-2,7-9
Mark 12:13-17
The Americans have a saying, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Before it became an American saying, the Jews knew two things to be certain, “God and taxes” and they wondered if allegiances to God meant they should not pay tribute to earthly authority. Jesus was confronted with this question: Should we pay taxes, yes or no. He gave a classic answer that so many people interpret so many different ways: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God”. What does this mean?
Your duty to God and duty to earthly leaders should never be in conflict. The scriptures encourage us to pray for our earthly leaders (I Timothy 2:1-2). This is because all power is from God and earthly leaders are his due delegates. This is only true of legitimate power. Those who seize power by force do not represent God. So, when we obey those who hold legitimate authority, we are doing the will of God. Payment of taxes in a just society is a good thing. Taxes are the primary source of revenue for most governments. Among other things, this money is spent to improve and maintain public infrastructure, including the roads we travel on, and fund public services, such as schools, emergency services, and welfare programmes. Where these services are non-existent, people do not trust the system and see no reason to pay taxes.
In speaking about duties to God and Caesar, Jesus affirms that we are citizens of two cities, the earthly city and the heavenly city. While we are on earth, we ought to respect the laws that govern the organisation of the world. But we must never forget that we are also citizens of heaven and that, we shall render an account of our lives to the one through King of heaven and earth (Romans 14:12).
Step into this new day with the following ideas:
Be grateful for your life and what you have achieved no matter how little;
Material things maintain life but they cannot secure your life;
Do your work well and offer it up to God (do not offer worthless things to God);
Do your duties to the state. Pay your tax and be law-abiding.
Pray for wisdom and apply understanding in all you do. It will get you out of sticky situations.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Lord, the earth and all it contains belongs to you. The hearts of kings and princes are in your hands. Take control of the events of this day, in Jesus name.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
Give me strength to do my best in all that I have set my heart to accomplish, in Jesus name.
Let the thoughts of my mind, the desires of my heart and the works of my hand give you glory and be of benefit to all, in Jesus name.
Save all Christian homes at the verge of destruction, O Lord and preserve your heritage, in Jesus name.
O Lord be a Shepherd to our children, youths and young adults, in Jesus name.
O Lord, thank You because You will build your Church, and the gates of persecution will not prevail against her, in Jesus name.
O Lord work out Your purpose out in our nations, and let the earth be filled with Your glory, as the waters cover the sea, in Jesus name.
O Lord take total control in the governance of our nation, Nigeria, in Jesus name. Amen.
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