"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Luke 20:25)

Previously we looked at what the Bible tells us has not been rendered to Caesar. And in doing so we've observed the fact human government has over stepped its role and boundaries by several country miles. Whether playing Robin Hood and calling it moral and just; indoctrinating children to be willing wards of the State or taking a host of other things that are God's, Caesar's appetite for power and influence is insatiable.

The most disturbing fact is so many Christians are not only fine with Caesar's officiousness, they rally about the very politicians that promise more and more despotism and less and less freedom. Never underestimate the capacity of human being to be deceived, even unto their own chains.

The Bible explains how Israel demanded of their judge, Samuel: "...make us a king to judge us like all the nations." (I Sam 8:5) God responded to a displeased Samuel: "Heed the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should reign over them." (v. 7) God then warns them their sons would be drafted for war, their daughters made servants, the best of what they had would be taken to pay the king's bureaucrats and a tenth (10%) of their produce confiscated. (We noted in part 6 Caesar is up to over 30% confiscation at present.) Despite these warnings the people still cried out for a king. 

Even so, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Prov 21:1) For "there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Rom 13:1b) Caesar is to be God's minister. (v. 4) As God's minister Caesar's role is to restrain evil, punish wrong doers and keep order in society. (Yes, that is all) In so doing, all men have the opportunity to express their God given talents and gifts to the benefit of themselves and others. In so doing, all men are free to live in liberty without oppression of thought, creativity, work and worship. Therefore, you and I are to make "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and give thanks...for kings and all in authority, that (we) may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (I Tim 2:1-2) 

Hopefully during this series the point has been made (especially to Christians) that Caesar's current cradle to grave, morning to night, moment to moment infringement into every aspect of our lives is not an acceptable reality according to Scripture. And the ongoing campaign to further extend government's reach is an invitation to greater transgression. We need to be sharing these truths with the people God leads to us. If the Caesar's were confined to their God ordained roles total taxation would be less than ten percent and the citizenry heartened to once again be responsible for themselves and for their neighbors for this is God's will.

We will end this series as we began - with the question: "What belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God?"