What a beautiful time of worship was last Lord’s Day. We see God’s promises being fulfilled in the lives of those who assemble together in His name. God promises, whenever His Word is proclaimed in truth, it will never come back void. Last week was living proof of that as we had a tenderhearted sister respond and request prayers so she can be bold in sharing His Word with those who she loves and cares for so very much. There were others who shared her feelings as well, they just didn’t respond, which is perfectly fine. God meets you where you are. Praise God there are still hearts full of compassion and we know He will continue to work through these Christians. Emotions play a significant role in our Christian lives, coupled with faith and reason. And Sunday was an emotional day, with prayers for strength toward action. It is during times of struggles and trials that a deep love for God grows.
This week we will be looking at another topic that is somewhat confusing for some people to understand. How does one love God with all their soul? What is the soul of man? We have been learning that true Christian living is characterized by a changed heart that leads to a changed behavior.
This is a lesson the Herodians needed to hear. They were primarily a political group. They favored submitting to the Herods, therefore, to Rome. So, their question to Jesus was intended to trap or ensnare Him. They saw Him as a potential threat to their power and the stability of their alliance with Rome. They were afraid He would stir up an uprising against Roman rule.
“Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” (Mk 12:14) They supported paying the tax. Any good Jew would be outraged at the obligation of this tax by Rome. Jesus was being asked to declare His beliefs openly. Support the tax, and He would lose the support of the people who adored Him. Deny the tax, and He would provide a reason for His arrest.
The answer Jesus gives is quite brilliant. Give Caesar what is Caesar’s. How can the Herodians argue against that? And give God what is God’s. How can a good Jew argue with that? Jesus wanted them to know Cesar was the ruler of the land, but God was ruler of all, they owed God everything, because God is the one who gives them their very existence. This answer emphasizes the separation of earthly and spiritual realms, implying that while we have civic duties to earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance and devotion should be to God.
To love God with all our souls means we are willing to devote our lives to Him for His services. The Herodians were Jews who lost sight of the Shema. The did not love God. Many believe that the Herodians looked to Herod as the Messiah who would put the Jewish land in favor with the Roman Empire and bring blessings to them.
As we assemble this Lord’s Day, let us learn from the Herodians not to trust in man as they trusted in Herod. Have you lost sight of who God really is? We are to put our trust in the Lord Jesus and let His will be done in our lives. This is how we love God with all our soul. Let us endeavor to put Jesus’ words into action in our lives.
In Christ,
Steve
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