Pastor Danni's Weekly Reflection
In our story this week, the Pharisees and Herodians pressure Jesus to take a side: is it lawful to pay taxes? Jesus asks them a question back, "Whose face is on the coin?" It's the image of Caesar. Jesus says, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Two things are true at once.
They don't like this answer because they want him to take a side. If Jesus takes a side, either way, he will get himself and his followers into trouble. Jesus rejects their way of thinking, knowing that multiple things can be true at once. A person can both pay their taxes and be generous to God. The world we live in constantly asks us to choose sides and that is harmful because we all live in community. We coexist together.
We are seeing the affects of division in our world right now in gruesome ways. The war raging in Israel is horrific to watch unfold. The world wants us to take sides, but that is a divisive stance to take. It continues to drive us farther from one another and our shared humanity. It's not the way Jesus takes and it not what Jesus would have us do.
Two things can be true at once, meaning one group is not solely right or wrong. It is a deeply complex relationship that has been strained since the days of Jesus. Both sides are true because every person's lived experience is valid. The world cannot judge the validity because the rest of us are merely spectators. The truth that unites both groups is that they are victims of violence and terrorism. Despite their pain and brokenness, their humanity is still linked.
What belongs to God? Everything. Everything belongs to God and that is reason enough to stop the violence. When we hurt people, God hurts, too. We are called to be peacemakers. We are called to love radically. We are called to see one another as beloved children of God and treat one another as such. Will you join me in praying for our siblings in Christ?
Good and gracious God, we come before you with heavy hearts. Your people are hurting and hurting one another. People are scared and angry. People are displaced. Be with Israel and Palestine as they endure terror and unrest. Bring peace to your people. Put an end to this violence and terror. Help people who are displaced find safe shelter. Unite families who have been separated. Give this world eyes to look on with compassion and mercy instead of judgment and fear. Equip us to help and support these siblings from afar. Strengthen leaders to work together for the common good of all your people. Reveal to us your heart and your will. We pray all of these things in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Peace,
Danni
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