Imago Dei - Part 2 - 'What Belongs to God?'

Imago Dei

Part 2

‘What belongs to God?’

Now because we are “stamped" (created) in God’s image that means something; especially as indicated in Part 1, it gives us great value first of all.  Next it means we owe something to our Creator.  And we owe something to the rest of creation. That is why God can command “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and your neighbor as yourself.”  How we respond to or love God and how we love or treat our neighbor is an indicator of how much we recognize that we are made in God’s image. Generally we have an idea in our heart that we 'love' God, but He puts us to the test by asking us if we love our brother or neighbor too.   I John 4:20 puts forth this idea that we 'cannot say we love God whom we haven't seen when we do not love our brother whom we have seen'.  So this idea of loving God and neighbor is a key foundation to understanding that being made in His image means something; i.e., it means that we must 'give to God what belongs to Him'.  So what kinds of things must we give God?   I am not going to say this list is all inclusive, as that would be impossible, but it's a place to start.   I am also not going to reference everything, as a general scriptural search will turn up dozens of references and for the truly curious will turn up even more. 

We learn that worship belongs to God and to God only.   When Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness after His 40 day fast; Jesus retorts in Luke 4:8 "worship the Lord.....only".   We are only permitted to worship God.  Any worship toward another person, creature, etc is idolatry and takes us away from the fact that we are made in God's image.  We essentially are declaring through worship that we want to be like the object of our worship.  Anything less then God in worship is a fatal mistake.  God loves us too much too not make that clear and it is pointed out continually in scripture.  From Genesis through Revelation.

And if we are to love Him with our 'heart, soul, mind, strength' then those things too, belong to Him.  So in the end, really everything that we may think belongs to us, belongs to Him.  Our 'heart, soul, mind, strength', our worship; these things do not belong to Caesar; they belong to God.  The mistake often made in ancient times with Caesar, and in recent times with the state, is thinking that somehow these things can belong to government, or worse yet a 'co-mingling' of Caesar and God.   God says He is a jealous God.  He does not share His glory with anyone or anything.  Communism was an attempt for government to assume the role of God.   The state gives 'meaning' and decides how you will perceive yourself (your image).  But we cannot lay all of the blame at 'communism' either.   Many Christians (although well-meaning) in the United States have decided that aligning themselves with one political party or the other is what will establish God's Kingdom.  They would deny it, but when questioned they act as though Christianity and the Church must be part of one party or the other, lest God fail and we plummet into a 1000 years of darkness. 

Whatever the outcome of this election, Christian's are called to be a people of hope, a people of 2nd and 3rd and 4th chances (and so on), a people of God that do not quit or give up, but work to see God's Kingdom established; not their own, not a political party's, not anything less then righteousness and peace.  Not anything less then the care of widows, foreigners, orphans, the hopeless, the needy, the homeless, the sick, and so on.  So we come full circle.  It is an old story, but must be retold again and again.  It must be lived over and over.  Government (Caesar) likes to talk about 'people' as some great collective that they will manipulate and control.  The Kingdom of God is about not only the group, but the individual as well.  Personal salvation matters.  We baptize individuals or perhaps groups, but still groups of individuals.   The personal confession of Christ matters.  Because you are made in the image of God, you matter, you are his creation and He 'knew you in your mother's womb'.   Only when we are in agreement with Christ can we speak of the 'community' of Christ, i.e., the Church.  That is where communion comes in.   It is the fellowship meal of believers.  You can think of  these things this way:  Baptism is the individual public confession of Christ and Communion is the group public confession of Christ. But I digress a bit.

In conclusion, your vote does matter because you matter.  Hear from God and do your best.  But more importantly, know that the sun will come up tomorrow no matter who wins this election, because the love of God holds the moon, the sun, the stars, the planets in place.  He holds your life in His hands, your families, your community, your church, too.  Do not grow weary of doing good.  Fight the good fight.  Confront Caesar when necessary, with love, charity, and humility.  Take care of the needy.  Love and comfort your family and friends.  Hasten God's Kingdom.  The Lord's prayer teaches us that it is His will for His Kingdom and Will to be done on earth just like in Heaven, and His Kingdom is eternal.  Caesar?  Not so much!

Imago Dei - Part 1 - 'What belongs to Caesar?'

Imago Dei

Part 1

 'What belongs to Caesar?'

The 'Imago Dei', 'image of God', it resonates throughout the scripture, summed up in Genesis 1:27 "So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God he created them, male and female he created them."
This is a foundational statement for Christian faith, ethics, and so forth.  You are made in the image of God and the fact that He made you (in His image) gives you great value and worth. As the psalmist wrote 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'  Some think this is obvious and does not need to be stated, but I find the opposite is true, people don't believe it.   They sense that their lives do not matter to God or to man.  It is the lie we hear played over and over in our heads, that we do not matter, that no one cares, that God is too busy to notice us, and that our life doesn't matter.  And because we believe that lie, we can easily fall prey to those who would try and give us value in God's place.
It's an important idea.   More than an idea really.  One of the essentials that holds humanity together.  And an essential that if misunderstood can destroy us.  There are several directions we could take this thought, but since we are still in the election season, I am still focusing on politics.  You see, because we are made in the image of God, He has a claim to us.  A right and authority over our lives and because of that 'right' it brings up that question about Caesar.  What belongs to Caesar, and what belongs to God?  I first want to discuss what belongs to Caesar.  You see the statement from the previous blog is still in my thinking.   What does belong to Caesar?
To understand what belongs to Caesar I think one has to grasp what is upholding Caesar.  Is he an opposing power, meaning equal to God?  Or is he part of God's plan and subject to Him as well?  If you study the scripture in the Old Testament, it would seem that God had a system of judges in mind at first to rule His people (this is of course not taking into account that ultimately God's desire was to simply have fellowship with mankind in the garden), but they wanted something more, a king like all the other kids on the block had.  And so God granted them their wish, letting them know that they would also get taxes, wars, and the king's will along with it.  But God also said 'that the heart of the king is in his hands...like a river he turns it as He wills.'  Proverbs 21:1.   And from my last post, I suggested reading Daniel chapter 4 for a deeper understanding of God's role in government.  If you do read it, then call to mind the very last verse (37), "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride." This was said after the king regained his reason and if you go back to verse 30 you find out that Nebuchadnezzar said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" and then a voice from heaven said (v 31, 32) "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes."  NASB.  So God actually demonstrated grace upon King Neb; as he showed him that He is even in control of the King’s life, and King Neb in the end recognized that. 
So the lesson for us is to know that no matter who is ruler, what they are like, it is God that determines their limits.  We may suffer or enjoy their reign but it is God that is in control. And he reminds us in His word that He will have the final say and in the end close out all that rule and reign; (see Revelation 19:11-16) but see v. 15, 16:  ‘From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."’
And in light of these boundaries what does belong to Caesar?  From the story (Mark 12:13-17) where Jesus says to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” we at least learn that we owe Caesar taxes, as it’s his money stamped with his image, so give it back to him.   (We’ll come back to this idea of ‘image’, so don’t forget that you are ‘stamped’ with God’s image!) Other things we owe Caesar include (see Romans 13:1-7):  “to do good” v3, “be in subjection” v5, and finally whatever “is due” including “tax…custom…fear…honor” v7; (see also I Peter 2:13-20).   I am not saying this is fun, the way to get ahead, or even from the current state of society and government, seemingly worth it; but it is to obey Christ, one who did submit to the Roman authorities, even to the point of death.
So we can conclude that there are things that God has given the government reign over.  As indicated in my previous post, I will vote, whether I like the candidates or not.  My ‘liking’ or ‘disliking’ is immaterial.  I will vote out of obedience to the governmental system under who’s authority I am under, by the grace and will of God.  And I will vote to honor those who have defended that right.  No matter the outcome, or whether my vote seemingly mattered, I will rest in knowing that I obeyed God, giving honor and fear to the democratic republic I am a part of.
Now, this is not the final word on this matter, as there is an entirely new set of questions to be answered.   You see, when Jesus said to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”, ‘Caesar’ is only part of the issue.   We must also give to ‘God’ what belongs to Him.  This is where it really starts to get interesting, as these two ‘renderings’ sometimes come into conflict.  They are not really in conflict if we ‘render’ rightly, but sparks may fly nonetheless! At least from our perspective on earth.  From God’s perspective in heaven there is not really a conflict as He knows His perfect will is to be accomplished no matter what; and He asks us to trust Him in this matter. 
Be comforted in the knowledge of being made in His image!  He will never leave or forsake us, no matter what the outcome is.  God asks us to trust Him with our future.   Do not lose hope!

NEXT:

IMAGO DEI – PART 2 – ‘WHAT BELONGS TO GOD?’

Real Hope & Change: a gentle reminder to myself....

I hesitate to write these words.  I try not to mix faith and politics.  But I did 'steal' 'hope and change' didn't I?  It was meant to be a little funny and yet a reminder (mostly to myself) that there is such a thing as real 'hope and change' and it isn't found in politics or government.   Jesus said after all unless we repent (change) we can't enter the Kingdom, which is His government.   No voting in His Kingdom, just repentance and obedience.  So in this season of the final countdown, just a few things that keep me awake at night (because they do go 'bump') and I share them with the hope that maybe some will read and be encouraged.

 Democracy is a relatively new experiment or 'democratic republic' which is a little more precise.   As Americans we forget that I think; that people in times past were subject to kings, despots, tyrants of various sorts and the average person struggled generally with just having enough to eat for another day, and that next day was filled with more struggles of the same.  An accident, sickness, lack of shelter or proper sanitation, could all kill you as well.   If you were a Christian in the early church you were also persecuted by the Roman government.  Democracy (under the rule of the Caesars) was for the wealthy and those who shared the emperors favor.  And yet it was into that world that Christianity was thrust with just a handful of people.  If you follow the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, you find how quickly it spread (infected the Romans would say) throughout the empire.  It touched every class of people in the known world and then began to spread into the unknown (at least unknown to those of the empire).  

So today I have this luxury of helping pick who will rule me.  Or at least I have the illusion that I am picking.  It matters not, as God sets up rulers and takes them down.  Just read the Book of Daniel chapter 4 for an interesting account of one rulers encounters with God.  I mean not to offend anyone but from where I sit today it appears to be a contest between Donald and Hillary.  It's all subject to change of course.  I hear Christians arguing that you can't vote for Trump or you can't vote for Clinton, all for well meaning reasons (to them at least).   Some argue you shouldn't vote at all, or you can only vote for a Conservative or a Liberal, or neither.   I am not contemptuous or cynical of the whole process, well maybe a little, but I am concerned that some believe the outcome will somehow determine the outcome of their faith.  They would never admit that if you cornered them with the thought, but I have heard some rather nasty things said, that if you vote or don't vote a certain way, then the Church will collapse and Christianity will go into the dark ages.  I guess I wonder who they think is running the planet?  Once again read Daniel chapter 4.   

Now I do believe outcomes matter.  There are consequences to elections, just like there are consequences for sin (I'll just leave that sentence right where it is. Some will be amused and some will not).   But I think about those who don't have the luxury even of the illusion of picking a ruler.  Right now in the city of Lincoln are homeless people, hopeless people, hungry people, segregated people, lonely people, imprisoned people, sick people, dying people, foreign people, struggling people and so forth.

For them elections probably matter little.  Their world is will I see tomorrow?   And that makes me wonder, "What is the Church of Jesus called to?  What am I called to?"   Will I vote?  Of course I will, it's my duty as a citizen.  Men and women have fought and died so that I have that basic right.  I will vote if for no other reason than to honor those veterans both living and dead.  But what am I supposed to do?  How should I live?  After all, I claim to be a Christian and a member of the Church Universal!  I think often of that story of Jesus where he was asked if we should pay taxes to the Romans or not.  And that classic, end-all-arguments, winner take all answer was "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."  Simple, straightforward, to the point, no beating around the bush, no follow up questions; just God setting the record straight.  So there are things that belong to God and things that belong to Caesar.  My goal each day is to be more concerned about the things that belong to God than the things that belong to Caesar.  Each new day God must increase in my life, and I must decrease, to paraphrase John the Baptist.  And if I am decreasing so must Caesar.   Oh, I will engage Caesar, and I may even enrage him because of that engagement, but the kingdoms of this world will all perish in the end.  Of His Kingdom there is no end or of His righteousness or of His peace.  And it pays to remember there is a separation of goats and sheep.  Hmm?  Lord when did I see you hungry, naked, blind, in prison, without hope, dying, cold, lonely?  God help us all.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the fourth Sunday of Advent…

“I am the Lord’s servant, May it be to me as you have said.”
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”  (Luke 1:38, 45  NIV)

After the angel Gabriel told me that I was going to bear the Son of the Most High who would sit on David’s throne, I decided to go and see Elizabeth.  Gabriel had said that she was to bear a child also.  This would also be a miracle, because Elizabeth was past the age of bearing children.  I wanted to tell her what the angel had said to me and find out how these things were coming to pass in her own life as well.  When I entered her house she began to prophesy:  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”  It seemed that at every turn, God was confirming His word to me.  At first Joseph, after I told him I was pregnant, wanted to break off the engagement, but an angel spoke to him that this child was of God and to not be afraid.  Then the Romans ordered us to Bethlehem to be part of the census.  It couldn’t have been at a worse time as the baby was due at any time, but this, too, was part of God’s plan.  Shepherds came and worshipped Jesus in the stable where I had given birth.  They also spoke of angels that had told them about the Savior born to them, the Messiah, whom they would find in a manger.  Later, Magi from a far country arrived with gifts and a story of a star that had guided them.  And then an angel spoke again to Joseph and told us to go to Egypt as Herod wanted to kill Jesus.  At last we were able to return to Israel.  I thought upon these things for many years and wondered what they all meant; then Jesus, my son, the Son of God, began the work his Father had called him to.  The word of God, miracles, healings, all flowed from him like a river.  Men and women followed his teaching and bowed to him in worship.  I realized that God’s plan was unfolding.  But then, all too soon, it seemed that it was all coming to an end.  Just as Simeon had prophesied, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too”,  I watched as they crucified my son and my heart broke.  But Jesus’ Father had a different plan.  Three days later, God raised His Son back to life and after a season He ascended back to His Father to rule and reign.  You see, Jesus was my son, but He was also my Lord and Savior.  I worship Him as God, because I know that He is God’s only Son, and I have put my trust in Him.  Have you made Jesus your Lord and Savior?  Why not put your trust in Him in this season of honoring His birth and experience your own “new birth”?  (see John 3:1-21)

First Published December 20, 1998

Third Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the third Sunday of Advent…

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
(Luke 2:25  NAS)

I have lived most of my life waiting for the fulfillment of a promise; a promise from God.  The Holy Spirit spoke to me about something that has been ever present in my thoughts:  “I would live to see the coming of the Messiah!”
When I first heard the Spirit, I was so excited and thought, “Surely His arrival cannot be far off.”  Then the months turned to years, and I laughed to myself when I realized that I had a promise to inherit, just like Abraham!  And like Abraham, I waited, believing that what God said; He would do.  Then one day I awoke and realized that the Spirit was directing me to go to the temple.  I wondered if today would be the day that I would see the Messiah.   But I had come to rest in whatever the Spirit said to me, so whatever God had to tell or show me, I would be content.  I waited in the temple court and prayed, “God, here is your servant…” and then I saw the young couple walking into the courtyard.  And the Spirit spoke to me that the baby they were carrying was the Messiah!  What joy filled my heart, when I realized that God’s promise to me was being fulfilled!  I approached the couple and explained to them God’s promise to me and how their child was the hope of Israel.  I took the child in my arms and as I looked upon Him the Spirit came upon me and I began to prophesy:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”  (Luke 2:29-32  NIV).  I handed the baby back to the astonished parents and blessed them and even prophesied to the mother as well.
I left the temple that day content in God’s promise being fulfilled.  Joy, praise, and thanksgiving fill my heart as I rejoice that the Word of God as spoken to the prophets is coming to pass.   God Himself has come to deliver His people and His Spirit is the seal that guarantees His promises (see Ephesians 1:13, 14)!
What are the promises that God has given you?  Their fulfillment is found in hope in Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee!  Be like Simeon and Abraham:  Don’t waiver in faith, but believe the One who has promised!

First published December 13, 1998

Second Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the second Sunday of Advent…

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.   This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:10-12  NIV)

I am a shepherd.  My friends are all shepherds.  All I have ever done or known is taking care of sheep, just like my father did, and his father did, and as far back as anyone can remember, we have all taken care of sheep.    Sometimes my friends and I sit around the fire and tell stories late into the night, about David before he was king, and how he was a shepherd and took good care of his sheep.  He would even risk his life for them, killing a bear and a lion.  Maybe he was even tending his sheep in these very hills when God called him to be the next king of Israel.
It was on one of those nights around the fire that we, just like David, had God call upon us.  Our conversation had begun to lull and we watched as the flames began to die down.  That’s when we noticed for just a moment how quiet it was, but suddenly the air around us became radiant, like daytime.  We jumped to our feet, terrified at this phenomenon.  Then this beautiful and frightening being appeared out of nowhere.  We could not look upon him and we fell to the ground, shaking with fear.  He told us to not be afraid and that he had good news for us.  That the long awaited Son of David, our Messiah was born and that we could see him in Bethlehem.  And then the whole sky lit up brighter than day with the glory of God shining everywhere, and angels declaring praises to Him:  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:14  NIV).  And just as suddenly, they were gone.  All was quiet again.  We all felt like we were waking from a dream, not certain what had happened or what it meant.  From across the valley someone shouted, “Did you see that!”  That seemed to bring us to our senses, for we had all seen and heard and felt.  Everyone began talking and shouting at once.  At last someone said they were going to Bethlehem to see the Messiah and everyone agreed to this plan.
We hurried to the city, and found the baby in the manger, just like the angel had said.  When we entered the stable and saw the child, we found ourselves in God’s presence once again.  We fell on our faces and worshipped our Lord.  When we left and returned to our flocks we shouted and gave praise God who saw fit to visit His people.   Now the story we tell is about all we witnessed.   Give God the glory, for He is still visiting His people!  Have you visited with Him lately?

First published December 6, 1998