Matthew 22
You Bear the Image of God!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church. Today is Saturday, April 11
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Well, it’s almost the traditional tax day deadline, but in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that was moved to July 15th.
In Matthew chapter 22, verse 21, we hear what Jesus said about paying taxes: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Did you know that in this passage, Jesus is reminding all of his disciples that we are made in the image of God? It’s not surprise that the largest US currency in circulation is the $100 bill and guess whose image is on that: you got it—Benjamin Franklin—the death and taxes guy! Not so subtle, Caesar! So, go ahead and give the government back a bunch of those $100 bills, but never forgot who you really belong to—you’ve been bought at a price, purchased through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary!
I’m so glad Easter is always close to our tax deadline, because it helps me remember that for every believer there is a third certainty that is even bigger than death and taxes and that is HOPE! Hope in the resurrection from the dead and Hope in our citizenship in the New Heaven and New Earth. The price for both has already been paid in full! Thank you Jesus!
Seize the moment and allow God to fill your account with HOPE this Easter Season. Remember, death and taxes don’t get the final word! The God of all Hope does…
How can you practically share God’s hope with another person today?