People’s
Sermon - Giving to the Government and to God
Mark
There is a bumper sticker
that says, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go."
In a recent meeting at
Southwest Health Center an invited speaker showed trustees at an education
advance a number of television or movie clips. One of the clips was about a
young man sitting in a restaurant having a casual conversation with his
sweetheart. He shared with her that he was not going back to his job. So she
quickly responded saying, “So you are going off to another job.” He said, “No.
I’m not.” So you are going off to school to get better trained.” He said, “No,
I’m just not going back.” So she said again, “So, you are quitting.” He said, “No,
I’m just not going back.” So, she said, “You have been fired.” Again, he said,
“No, I’m just not going back.” This sweetheart was shocked to no end hearing
him say again and again, I’m not going back.” The point of this clip was that
lots of baby boomers will not be able to retire when they thought they would be
able to do so. The down turn of the stock market between 2000 and 2003 brought
this message home loud and clear to many. Many who wish they could say, “I’m
not going back to work a job, will in fact be going back to their jobs for
quite awhile.
The thing this young man
forgot, obviously, was this familiar bumper sticker: “I owe, I owe, and so off
to work I go.” Well, this is true not only for our immediate families but also
for the government. On the even of this election of 2004 I want to talk about
what we owe the government. I want to talk about what we as God’s people owe
the government. Jesus reminded the people of his day what they owed the
government and God. Let’s hear his message for us today. It has not changed:
“Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to
God what is God's."
And they were amazed at him.”
Why do you think they were so amazed? He had an answer for a very tricky question. It was a tricky question in the way it was worded: “in verse 15: “Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” Either answer was a trap for him. If he answered yes, “you are to pay taxes.” That would have angered the people who obviously didn’t want to pay any taxes. On the other hand, if he answered, “No, you don’t need to pay taxes” he would have angered the Roman authorities.” They were amazed that he taught them something they probably never dreamed off. He demonstrated his answer in a powerful manner: “Bring me a denarius (This was a small silver coin worth about eighteen cents). On this small coin these words appeared: “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus” on the obverse and “Pontifex Maximus” on the reverse.” He taught them that there are obligations to the state that are not in conflict with obligations to God.
Jesus’ courage is unequal. He undoubtedly shocked the group that approached him with his response. He had the courage to say what they obviously didn’t want to hear. He spoke the truth despite possible negative consequences. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Even though the Pharisees and Herodians tried to butter him up by saying, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” That didn’t influence his response. He spoke the unadulterated truth.
“I believe you and I must possess this same courage next Tuesday at the voting booth. Vote your heart and mind as a member of God’s family. Be “salt” at the voting booth. Don’t be influenced by partisan voter guides that seem to be cropping up everywhere. Get alone in a quiet place and pray to God for courage, divine guidance, and knowledge as you prepare to go vote on Tuesday.
During this political campaign, I have been appalled at the number of voter guides and telephone calls that I have received into my office attempting to influence my vote and hopefully to influence your vote through me. I have refused this steady stream of partisan voter influence. The reason I have refused to be persuaded by these partisan guides is that most of the ones I seen have not contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They have failed to provide a clear statement of the issue and the pros and cons regarding the issue. I have challenged my self to study, pray, and discuss the issues with other and to become knowledgeable of the issues so I can vote with my “whole heart.”
Let me share a few words about the Plain Dealer’s voter’s guide, dated Sunday, October 24. I highly recommend it. It contains a voting primer, outlines some of the important issues of each candidate and each candidate’s position on each of the issues outlined. Of course, this guide is not by any means flawless, but it is the best I’ve come across so far about the issues and the candidates seeking office. In my judgment a study of this guide will be of benefit prior to your going to vote on Tuesday.
Not only is Jesus’ courage unequal in responding to this group, Jesus acted decisively! He didn’t put them off. It appears that he made a decision on the spot. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” They replied.
You are being challenged to act decisively in this hotly competitive election campaign. I think there are specific ways that you can act decisively when you go vote Tuesday:
1) Don’t fail to vote as a citizen where you enjoy the freedom to vote. I encourage you to act decisively by going to the polls and voting what you believe God wants. I was surprised on Tuesday of this week to read this statement in the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
“
Is that a cop out? Is that an example of indecisiveness? I think so. I hope you will act decisively at the polls on Tuesday.
2) Study the issues so you can vote as a voter not ashamed or uninformed.
3) Sit quietly before God and pray, “Lord, what is your yearning for us, these United States, in this important election year?”
4) Be thankful that God has willed it so that you are here and can participate in this presidential election of 2004. Show your gratitude to God by casting your vote and participating in our government.
So let us rise up and follow the example that Jesus has given us. Let’s be courageous for God. Let’s vote the truth; let’s vote our hearts and minds that God has spoken to individually and collectively; let’s vote while we have the chance; let’s vote after praying quietly and corporately and after becoming knowledgeable of the issues and candidates. Amen