Choices

When Jesus was tested with the question about paying taxes to Caesar, (Mk 12:13-17), he could have ignored it, knowing that it was intended to snare him, but he addressed it head on, and gave a response that is still as valid and astounding today as it was then.  "Repay to Caesar, what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God." (Mk 12: 17).  That he confronts those sent to trap him is an example for us to follow.  Our culture presents many such traps and presumes that most of us will ignore them, so that they continue to multiply to the point of outrageousness, where "tolerance" reigns and truth and sanity are buried...And the question remains....how much do we owe "Caesar" these days, and how much to God?   Have we compromised, "caved" and betrayed our loving God, banking on his mercy and forgiveness, but not drawing the line and taking a stand?  Jesus chose to confront, to answer.  Jesus, give us the courage and wisdom to act as you did.  Amen.
Bro. Rene