Saturday, June 6, 1998
Saturday, June 6, 1998
Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the
things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21
NRSV)
We get caught up in all kinds of activities, but we need to continually ask ourselves "what is most
important in my life? What do I really care about?" When we answer those two questions,
hopefully it will say we are committed to God.
Jesus outwitted the Pharisees at their own game. Notice that after he told them, "Give therefore
to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's," the
Pharisees were speechless. They had no more questions for him. Matthew reports that "they were
amazed; and they left him and went away." Many people never really discover the giving
themselves totally to God. Like the Pharisees they hear the truth but go away without another
word.
I receive much joy from serving God through the church. When someone moves into our
community--there is a place here for them to worship. When someone walks into the church office
during the week feeling the burdens of life--there is someone to talk too. When someone has
many questions and is searching for meaning to their lives--the church is here to help them find
answers and meaning. It is a joy to give ourselves fully to God.
Prayer: God of all, in my time of need, remind me that true joy and healing comes from
giving myself to you. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA