Category: Bible (Page 371 of 419)

Spies sent by Jesus’s enemies asked him this question, hoping to catch him in a comment they could use against him. An appropriate query in the midst of the U.S. tax season, is it not?

Jesus answered, delivering a phrase resonating down through the centuries. I prefer the way the King James Version says it: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.

Mouths agape at his response, the spies stopped asking questions.

Thanks to those spies, I now have an answer to my question on taxation. I pay my due to the governing bodies as Jesus commanded. Next, I turn to the second half of the teaching – I give back to God that which be God’s.

My giving to the Lord stands as important as paying my taxes. Neither shall I skip, during tax season or all year long.

Luke 20:20-26 in week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

At the end of his life, Joshua addressed the nation of Israel following years of hardship, challenge, victory and finally, rest. Joshua drove home an fundamental decision lying before them (Joshua 24).

Choose whom you will serve. Choose the old gods of Egypt, or the gods of this new land, in fact, chose whatever gods you wish. But Joshua declared, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Who I serve is my choice. God doesn’t force me to serve him. In fact, I’m free to devote myself to any of the gods surrounding me, those more flashy or expedient or lucrative. What’s obvious is that I will choose to serve some type of controlling gods throughout my life.

Joshua’s challenge draws a line in the sand, it demands words spoken out loud. Choose this day whom you will serve. If the Lord appears undesirable to you, other gods jostle at the door. It’s up to you.

Choose wisely.

Personally, I join Joshua, in declaring that for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Matt Donders

I love discovering opaque references in the Bible.

When describing the border of the territory reserved for the tribe of Naphtali, the legal description begins with, Their boundary went from Heleph and the large tree in Zaanannim...(Joshua 19:33). Along with cities and rivers, a tree was used to mark the boundry.

This same tree is later mentioned in the book of Judges. Must have been quite a tree.

I have both heard and used such a phrase myself when giving directions. Head down the road a ways, turn left on the first dirt road by that big ol’ tree, and you can’t miss their house.” or something like that.

Randomness in descriptions often points to authenticity. It means that a regular person, using the references of their day, wrote these words. It’s a little thing, but it helps me trust the writers of this book I hold with such importance.

Week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Caleb strode to Joshua’s tent to remind him of a old promise. Fellow spies, the men watched their dreams of entering the promised land crumble before a panicked people. Now, 45 years later, Caleb came for what was due him.

The Lord promised Caleb an inheritance of land for following him wholeheartedly. Still alive and strong as ever – at 85 years old – Caleb itched for the chance to fulfill God’s promise.

And so he did. Joshua blessed his long-time friend and Caleb took those hills.

I hope at 85 I possess half the energy of Caleb. Heck, I hope I wake up tomorrow with half the energy of Caleb.

I take it that as long as I’m breathing, the Lord has something in mind for me. I’m not done. It may not be as dramatic as fulfilling a promise from God, but it’s there.

By moving into his promised land, Caleb blessed generations to come. Perhaps that’s an insight into a believer’s latter years – how might I finish my life by blessing those who follow me?

The photo is of the Judean Hills, a view of Caleb’s promised land.

Joshua 14 in week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover