Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

28 April 2025

Reading From Luke 21:1-26

“Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.”

—Luke 21:22-26

     Jesus sees right through people’s schemes every time.  It is impossible to trick God.  Pretense, falsehood, façades, and any other man-made barriers cannot prevent the Almighty from laying bare the intentions of every heart.  Therefore, it is far better to be honest with ourselves and honest with the Lord to save us the trouble and futility of attempting to evade His omniscience and omnipresence. 

     God teaches His children to be subject to rulers and authorities and to obey the rule of law.  Where there is disagreement between civil law and the Word of the Lord, then I believe that it is our civil duty to work to change human laws to conform to the principles found in the Scriptures.  Do I advocate for a blend of church and state?  No.  But I do believe that the healthiest society is one heavily influenced by godliness and godly statutes.  We are to pay our taxes and give our entire lives to God. 

“Lord, bless us with knowledge and wisdom as we navigate the world in which we live.  Help us to be good, decent, honorable citizens who maintain justice and order but who also work to influence society and culture in positive ways as You lead us. Empower us to live our lives as living sacrifices unto You, holy and pleasing in Your sight.  May Your people be salt and light in a world that desperately needs You.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.”

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

—II Chronicles 7:14