God's Image

They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied. Then Jesus said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
And they were amazed at him. (Mark 12:16, 17 NIV)

This scripture is often used politcally as proof that Jesus wants us to pay taxes. Now I have no problem with paying taxes, though like everyone else I wish our money was spent more wisely. Taxing, done fairly, is good. But I don't think Jesus was really talking about taxes at all.

What Jesus was trying to tell his questioners - or should I say "inquisitors" - was that he is NOT about politics and he doesn't want to get into political arguements. He isn't concerned with the bits of precious metal with some human's picture on it. Jesus told the people that since it has Caesar's image imprinted on it, it probably belongs to Caesar, so go ahead and give it to him. It has no real value and Jesus and his followers need not be concerned about it. But if it will enable them to continue to freely follow Jesus, then by all means, give Caesar what is Caesar's.

More importantly, Jesus was getting at what is God's. What has God's image imprinted on it? Not some intrinsically worthless pieces of metal. No. God's image is imprinted on our hearts and souls. God's image is stamped on us. And that's what he wants... us. Each of us individually. Whatever else is claimed from us, give it as we ought, but God gets the only thing of any real value.

So in this very divisive political climate as we argue about who should pay how much in taxes just remember that if everyone was really and truly giving to God what is God's much of our tax money wouldn't be needed, because the hungry, homeless, sick, strangers and imprisoned would be taken much better care of by our own hands than they are with our present tax revenues.

You are imprinted with the image of God. Give yourself to him and let Caesar have his worthless coins.

Father,
Help us not to drag your name into the muckraking of self-interested politics. I pray for our country and our political leaders that they may truly love mercy and do justice and find your imprint on their hearts. Amen

Joys: A Cecelia day!; two more interviews for Kevin this week and both in Charlotte!; summer fruit and fresh mixed berries