Calculator, ledgers, lists, pad and pencil, computer, and many, many forms: the basic tools of the taxpayer's trade about mid-April. What a privilege to be a taxpayer again. I'm trying to say that without weeping into my coffee. Jesus told the people to give Caesar his due, in other words to pay their taxes. We may think that our Lord had no idea how big and greedy government would become in our day. Imagine the IRS working on commission. That was the way of the tax collector back in the Roman days. Whatever a tax collector (publicanus) collected over his duty to Rome was his to keep. You might then imagine the temptation to fleece the rich...and then just about everyone else as well. Government-sponsored extortion as a career by people working for an occupying foreign government, do we wonder why the tax collectors were hated?
No doubt when Jesus told the people to render unto Caesar there was some resistance, a little pushback in a few minds. We feel the same when the tax bill cometh. But, what if we do this not simply as civic duty, but as a sign of faith in God's provision? Whether you are the two-months ago type of tax preparer or the not-before-11:59pm-April 15th type, the tax bill probably comes as a burden. If not, then you may have withholding going on from each paycheck. You were taught to share as a child, the government teaches withholding. Go figure...which is just what a lot of taxpayers will be doing today. The taxes may wipe out your savings or dig a new credit card hole for you, but faith reminds that God will restore what the locust has eaten. Today, I kind of like the imagery of the tax collectors as locusts.
Have a faithful day in Christ!
Bucky
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