Stamped and Delivered

March 27, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Jesus saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman
coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well then,” He said, “give to Caesar what belongs to
Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
Luke 20:23-25 (NLT)

Some of Jesus’ final conversations were
on His crucial-to-teach-before-death list, while others were initiated by those
trying to trap and arrest Him. This lesson subtitled Paying Taxes to Caesar falls in the latter category.

Cleverly, Jesus not only avoids the
trap, His response teaches a lesson far more important than paying taxes.

Give to Caesar what belongs to
Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God, as determined by its imprint.

A Roman coin was imprinted on one
side with a portrait of Emperor Tiberius and on the other side the inscription:
Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the divine
Augustus (italics mine). Jesus was distinguishing between God’s divinity and
the idolatrous claims of the Emperor.

Give to Caesar this coin, but
dedicate to God that which bears His imprint. All of Creation bears His mark,
but in particular, God created human
beings in His own image (Genesis 1:27).

You belong to God.

Due to sin, you were separated from
Him – lost. But on the cross, Jesus
redeemed you – which literally means to purchase back something that had been
lost, by the payment of a ransom.

Have you forgotten that you’re stamped
with God’s divine image? Give to God what belongs to God.

These Holy Week articles would be perfect to repost on
Facebook or Twitter or to forward through email. Scatter seeds as the world recognizes Palm
Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.

#seedsofscripture
#HolyWeek #Easter #Jesus #ImageofGod

2 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on March 29, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Great insight. I did not look at it that way. I belong to God. Give Him what belongs to Him. Service to my King is giving back. Hallelujah

Reply
CathyChung on March 29, 2015 at 11:19 AM

You are a good servant of God Cherrilynn, developing your talents and giving your time for His service. I offer my life to Him too. I just want to be an instrument in His hands

Reply

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Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.