Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, February 17
Mark 12:13-27. Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
Cowries are formed in the life of the ocean. Tiny cowry shells have been used as a form of currency. Shell money predates the use of coins inscribed with the image of the emperor in the Roman Empire.
They set out to trap Jesus. Should taxes be paid to Rome? The Herodians supported Roman rule. The Pharisees who stood for strict obedience to the law opposed Roman rule. It seemed that whatever way Jesus answered, he would be in trouble. Jesus asks for a coin, and asks whose head is inscribed on the coin. When the reply is “The emperor,” Jesus gives an answer designed to make those who sought to trap him think. His answer challenges us today: “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
What belongs to God? The shells are formed by the life of the ocean. We are formed by the ocean of God’s love. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, declares that we are made in God’s image. Acknowledging that we owe our very being to a good and a great God helps us to live wisely and make decisions with the perspective of Jesus. Everything belongs to God.
PRAY for the Diocese of Mara (Tanzania)
Ps 105:1-22 * 105:23-45; Isaiah 65:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-16
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