The Weekly Encourager – April 19, 2014 – Taxes and Easter

The income tax due date and Easter fall in the same week this year. That got me thinking: what do taxes and Easter have in common? The answer comes directly from Jesus: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.” - Matthew 22:21 We are to show respect for the rulers and laws of our country. As Christians, we submit the annual payment on time, whether or not we agree with everything our government decides. We're grateful to live in a peaceful nation. We're grateful to have an income. Most of us feel a sense of relief when the tax return is complete; now we can get back to normal life. You usually hear that “render unto Caesar” verse as support for honoring the governing authorities under which God has placed us. But, until this week, I've never given much attention to the second half of the verse.

We've done the tax return, now what's the God return? What is due to God, the Most High Supreme Ruler, this week? What are the things that belong to Him? As part of the thankfulness study, I read Psalm 43 this week. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” The word translated “again” here can also mean “still” or “yet.” Even when oppressed by deceitful and unjust enemies, the Psalmist returns to praise God again and again. This worship is regular and constant. In Psalm 56, even while going through great challenges and afraid for his life, David still puts his trust in God. “Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee.” Although we don't sacrifice animals as in Old Testament days, we still owe Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving in every circumstance.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. “ - Psalm 34:1 The apostle Paul reminds us, “Pray without ceasing.” - I Thessalonians 5:17 If constant prayer with thanksgiving is to be our pattern, how much more so at Easter! Jesus Christ gave His own life for ours, to satisfy the Law's demand for righteousness. Jesus was given a holy but extremely difficult task, to die on behalf of sinners. He returned obedience to God, making His whole body an offering. He returned honor and praise to the King of the Universe, even while wishing the cup could pass Him by. In the midst of severe suffering, He kept the faith. He cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.” - Luke 23:46

After having made the greatest sacrifice any man has ever made, Jesus rose again from the dead. He received the crown of life. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! In the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness!” - Psalm 48:1 Rejoice greatly this Easter weekend, and return obedience from a thankful heart to God! Paul wrote, “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” - Romans 12:1 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29

Many happy returns!