by Caesar comes into conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding paying taxes to Rome in Matthew 22:16-21. The Pharisees were doing what they have always done, trying to trip up Jesus to sway public opinion, also known as politics. Here, they questioned Jesus’ loyalty to His political leader, Caesar. Jesus wisely replied in 22:21, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” This answer dodged the Pharisee’s trap while delivering a message of balance between obedience to earthly authorities and devotion to divine authority. Jesus is teaching that believers are to respect civil government and fulfill civic responsibilities while at the same time maintaining loyalty to God above all (Acts 5:29).
We’re taught here and in other passages (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:1-4) that we’re to be good citizens on this earth. In doing so, yes, we are to be paying our taxes but also praying for our leaders. These are not mere suggestions, but areas that we will be held accountable for before God. Thus, should we not assume that if Jesus requires our engagement in these (Matthew 22), that our responsibility is to elect leadership acceptable of our taxes and prayers?
Our dilemma today is applying verses like those found in Romans 13 to our present-day political system. We have something Paul did not have in his day, a Constitutional Republic where “we the people” have the authority to elect and empower our leaders. Our quandary, though, is that we share this authority and responsibility with unbelievers. This brings with it a major tug-o-war between good and evil. Sadly, too many believers at the grassroots level have been convinced to let go of the rope — their vote doesn’t count, there are no godly candidates, politics is corrupt to the core anyway, etc. Voting becomes futile as they chose to disobey Jesus’ words, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
To sit idle in our pews today, as the world crumples around us, is cowardice. Many Christians do this, falling back on Proverbs 21:1, expecting God’s sovereignty towards world leaders to rescue them. His disciples expected this. They asked Jesus if He was rescuing them from their political turmoil and bringing in His Kingdom (Acts 1:6). Jesus reminded them of their commission (Acts 1:8), while their civic duty was still in effect (Matthew 22:16-21). Pondering these verses aside Proverbs 21:1, could it be that God’s will is simply waiting for us to put feet to our commission and obedience at the polls on election day? Our desire is the same as the disciples, we look forward to a perfect system, the Kingdom. God wants to give us this desire of our heart — our will just need to be aligned with His (Psalm 37), which gives us the patience to wait on His will.
As we come into another election season, let’s not forget that the God who requires our civic responsibility is still sovereign and in full control of all His creation. Do your part in this election by starting if off with prayer then voting as a responsible Christian, while trusting God with the results. As John Quincy Adam said, “Duty is ours, results are God’s.”
Pastor Lewis Howell
