Fork In The Road
“a metaphor, based on a literal expression, for a deciding, defining moment in life or history, when a choice between presented options is required, and, once made, the choice cannot be reversed.”
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. —Matthew 22:15-16a
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” —Matthew 22:16b-17
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied. —Matthew 22:18-21a
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So, they left him and went away. —Matthew 22:21b-22
Separation of Church and State
When the Church and State get together, the Church always loses.
Question:
What do I give to my government or political party, and what do I give to God?
We have Dual Citizenship
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ….” —Paul, Philippians 3:20-21
Christians are to be
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” —Jesus, John 17:14-15
Patriotism vs. Nationalism
“Patriotism is love for one’s country without blinders about its flaws and defects…Patriotism is honest about the country’s failures and urges leaders to push on toward better achievements of its founding ideals.” —Roger E. Olson
“Nationalism is patriotism on steroids. It is near idolatry of country and often appears in mixing celebration of nation with worship of God. Nationalism rejects all criticism of country as almost (if not exactly) treason.” —Roger E. Olson
Challenge
1. Examine your heart.
2. Pray for those in authority.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” —Paul, 1 Timothy 2:1-3
3. Pray for your enemy.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” —Jesus, Matthew 5:43-45
4. Pray for awakening and revival.