40 DAYS in the GOSPEL Sample

WHAT BELONGS TO GOD

"Jesus said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' And they marveled at him." (Mark 12:17)

More than once, the religious groups tried to drag Jesus into political arguments. Many of them couldn't understand that Jesus didn’t come to overturn Roman occupation or build His own empire. Here, when Jesus is asked about taxes, He clarifies what belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar. Jesus’ kingdom wasn’t directly competing with Rome but confronting an unseen kingdom that ruled in the hearts of people. This darkness was so pervasive that they didn’t realize they weren’t giving to God “what belongs to God.” I can be the same way.

When the gospel changes my heart, my priorities change. It’s not that I’m unconcerned about my job, my taxes, and who will be elected. But I recognize a new priority: giving to God what belongs to God. This includes my hopes, my submitted will, my dreams, and my plans. I am no longer only concerned by the kingdoms of this world, but the kingdom that is coming in my heart.

Oh God, I want to get to that place! Don’t you? Imagine Christians all over the world concerned first with God’s kingdom, giving to him all that is rightfully his. Then imagine those same people having an impact on earthly kingdoms, becoming wise and winsome servant leaders. The world would change.

PRAY ABOUT IT: Father, you know how I worry about this life. You tell me not to, but I find my heart wandering toward the concerns of my country, my livelihood, and my future. Show me what I have withheld from you. Then help me see where I can make a difference in this world.