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Topic: As It Was In Jesus’ Time
[DCLM Daily Manna 21 October 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: Matthew 17:22-27 (KJV)
“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee” – (Matthew 17:27).
In Washington, DC, United States of America, there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located within the Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial in this US capital city enjoys a 24-hour watch for the 365 days of the year. When a new armed guard arrives to replace his departing colleague, he receives some orders. The words are always the same: “Orders remain unchanged”. This has been so for decades.
Christians have an older and richer tradition of precepts handed to us by our Leader Jesus Christ. As He spoke for the second time in the gospel of Matthew about His death and resurrection on the third day, tribute collectors accosted Him and Peter. It presented an opportunity for the miracle of turning the mouth of a fish into a money bank. The Lord did more. He taught that the Christian, though a citizen of heaven, must fulfil his civic duties by paying taxes as He Himself did.
Jesus’ precept to His followers to honour the state and cooperate with civil authorities when they raise levies for projects that do not offend the Scriptures has come down to us as ‘orders (that) remain unchanged’. The believer is expected to partner the government of the day or the council of his community in the development of the nation or area of residence, regardless of his Christian stance. That the Christian is “not of the world” should not exclude him from performing his civic duties.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: True followers of Christ prevent controversy and support responsibility.
THE BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 1-2
