Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 17-18

Highlight Verse:

“However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today I’m thankful for government.

I know many may point out the many flaws of our government. Both sides of the political spectrum find things to criticize about the government no matter what country you are in.

Keep in mind that almost every government in the world today is better than that which Judea and the time of Jesus lived under.

Judea was an oppressed nation within the Roman Empire. In some ways they were treated as slaves.

At the very least, they were considered second rate citizens of a conquered back-water region.

Even so, Jesus saw fit to pay taxes.

He and His disciples did not have voting rights.

Most of us reading this do.

In most of the US, tomorrow is Election Day. While it is an “off year” election with mostly local measures on the ballot,

I believe we should do our part and let our voice be heard.

I know this is a little stretch from today’s reading, but I believe it lines up with the Word of God and I also believe it is very important that believers speak up when it comes to public policies and laws.

How important is voting to you?
Do you think your attitudes toward paying taxes lines up with Jesus? (I struggle with that myself).