As the rain and snow

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me…

In my distress I called upon the Lord…
From his temple he heard my voice...
He… came swiftly on the wings of the wind…

He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy…
The Lord was my support…
The Lord my God lightens my darkness…
This God… is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    Who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    and your right hand supported me…
For you equipped me with strength for the battle…

The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
    and exalted be the God of my salvation.” Psalm 18:1-6,10,16-18,28,30-31,35,39,46

David battled without and within. Many and harsh were his foes on the ground, and he faced them armed with confidence in his Lord. Many were the temptations of mind, spirit, and flesh, and he battled these clothed in God’s righteousness. Indeed, the Lord proved Himself his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, stronghold, support, rescue, and salvation. All these David knew by personal experience. This God who delivered from both despair and destruction was worthy of love and unending praise. (Psalm 18:20-26)

God’s people become acquainted with Him in many ways. It is often the most harrowing situations and challenging times that make real our desperation and open our eyes to the manifold character and work of God. We face the impossible, we cry out, the Lord hears and acts. He could swoop in regardless of our request, but acknowledging need attunes us to His activity, and imploring awakens expectancy for His intervention.

What cords of death encompass our pathway, what torrents of emotion our souls? Does grief, fear, despondency, adjustment to change, shame, or a chafing relationship snare our joy, impede desire to keep on? Where do we turn in times of enemy attack?

The Lord God meets every need. He is Himself strength for weakness, the rock in instability, the fortress round about, the great deliverer. His arms are our refuge, His strength our shield, His presence our stronghold. When we call, He hears, comes, draws up, saves, supports. There is no confrontation or calamity from which He cannot deliver. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 3:3)

Would I take this psalm and all God offers as mine today? With senses alert to both distress and need, I can anticipate God’s heavenly deliverance and peace of soul. Will I call upon Him? (Ephesians 1:3)

Great salvation is His!
And this He generously gives!
When we bow the knee,
articulate our plea,
He hears, deliverance lives!

We come on the basis of grace,
humbly seeking His face,
And God who is just,
in mercy and must,
does rescue, surround, and embrace.

All praise be to Him, and love!
Who else would I trust but this God?
No other can save,
or overcome grave,
I’ll ever exalt Him above! (PEB)

Lord, in every distress keep me trusting, praising, and loving You.

“’Teacher, which is the great commandment?’ [Jesus] said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 26:36-39

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

Each day dawns to a new slate ready for words, a blank canvas free to paint, hours to be filled as they fly. The dailies in scripture involved retrieving manna, making sacrifice, moving at God’s behest. Jesus taught the most important commands, to love God and our neighbors. (Exodus 16:4; 29:38-43; Leviticus 6:13)

Fashioned in God’s image, created with will, endowed with agency, we determine how to spend our days. With what and for whom will it be? Through any interruptions and unexpecteds, the commands from Scripture guide us. (Psalm 119:105)

To begin, assess our first waking thought. Consider the Sovereign who gives breath and rest and awakens our body- might our mind go to Him in thankfulness and wonder? Can we there focus and praise?

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~ Seth Sykes (1940)

Looking at the time before us, scheduled necessities or not, we can next offer all of ourselves for His service and honor. How will we determine priorities? Who is the ultimate arbiter and recipient of our moments, efforts, resources, and industry?

“God be in my head, and in my understanding.
God be in my eyes, and in my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking
God be in my heart, and in my thinking
God be in my hands, and in my doing
God be at my end, and at my departing.” ~Old Sarum Primer 1558

And consider how to keep the command to love. How might we fill the vast ocean of a wide day with God’s remarkable, life-giving love? On whose heart can we write His gospel? Whom can we enfold with His care, compassion, promises, truth?

“Could we with ink the ocean fill
and were the skies of parchment made,
were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill
and ev’ry man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
tho’ stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure:
the saints’ and angels’ song!” ~Frederick Lehman (1917)

To seize the Lord’s gift of a day as an opportunity to give thanks and upbuild honors Him. (Psalm 118:24)

Father, help me steward my entrusted hours for Your purposes and glory.

“Hatred stirs up strife,
    but love covers all offenses.”

“The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”

“Good sense makes one slow to anger,
    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.” Proverbs 10:12; 18:17-19; 19:11-12

“If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
    for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

The myriad of biblical mentions of offenses given and received is evidence of the intrusion of sin on the human heart. Pride, hatred, jealousy, and anger foment strife and offense, while love is a balm on any sore. Wisdom is the application of reasonableness and good sense, stemming from a willingness to prefer others in love and grace. (Romans 12:10)

To put offenses to rest takes deliberately acknowledging our own offenses to Christ. Every dismissal of His Spirit, harsh word spoken, refusal of need, chill of heart, superior smirk, broken confidence, disdain of the unfortunate, caustic comment, irreverent thought, flippant prayer, thoughtless comment, careless choice or selfish indulgence, is a condescending slap in His holy face, a blemishing of His portrayal among men. While any such action can never diminish His glory or undermine His power, it can offend His splendor and righteousness. Do we comprehend the weight of what He bore for our sake on Calvary, and feel the grief? Will we search our hearts and own our guilt? (Psalm 139:23-24)

When we soberly grasp all Christ has done for us, the offenses borne and penalty paid on our behalf, we will have no room for offense ourselves. If we understand and are grateful for His taking on our reproach, we will make no room. If we’re living the Christ life, every time we receive blows, we’ll see them transferred to our Savior on the cross. It’s through this assimilation that we can count it a blessed joy to share His sufferings. (Psalm 69:9; Isaiah 53:3-7; Matthew 5:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10)

Where have we caused offense? What steps will we take to prevent their repeat, and to repair the fracture we have caused? Where have we been offended? Do we stew in touchy sensitivity, or release hurt with grace and reconcile? The Lord takes all offenses seriously, and so must we. He laid down His life so we can lay down our arms. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:32)

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, help me put every offense on the cross.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
    I will recount your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
    I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When my enemies turn back,
    they stumble and perish before your presence.
For you have maintained my just cause;
    you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
    you have blotted out their name forever.
The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
    their cities you rooted out;
    the very memory of them has perished.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
    he has established his throne for justice,
and he judges the world with righteousness;
    he judges the peoples with uprightness.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the Lord..!
    Tell among the peoples his deeds!
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
    he does not forget the cry of the afflicted…
The Lord… has executed judgment;
    the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands…

Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail;
    let the nations be judged before you!
Put them in fear, O Lord!
    Let the nations know that they are but men!”

“His ways prosper at all times;
    your judgments are on high…

The Lord is king forever and ever;
    the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” Psalm 9:1-12,16,19-20; 10:5a,16-18

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

The psalmist’s resolve to exult in the deeds of the Lord was borne of much memorable experience with Him and mature faith. God had maintained his just cause. He saw and heard, and had already executed justice. He reigned as sovereign King over nations and cities. His presence was David’s stronghold, a tangible promise that fueled confidence that He who kept him now would one day resolve all injustice. David’s grateful amazement looking back would carry him in hope in days to come.

For us in a dark, convoluted, and often unfair world, the concept of justice may be gloomy at best. Seasons and years go by with unsolved crimes, unhealed hurts, unfixed brokenness. We may not see justice served in our situation and day, but because of God’s great love and faithfulness we can trust it will be. Because He mercifully maintains the cause of His children, we can rest in His keeping. (Psalm 140:12-13; Lamentations 3:22-23)

We can also rejoice in the perfect justice served by Jesus that applies the cross to us. Because of His death on our behalf, the saved live free from the curse in hope of redemption won. The only doom we face is that of those who’ve refused to acknowledge their sin and His righteous penalty paid.

In what new ways can we rejoice in our Lord’s justice? Will we exalt Christ for achieved freedom and eternal hope? Whom will we tell of justice applied, and to come?

Lord, may I never stop marveling at Your exquisite justice so mercifully served, and promised.

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed over him,’
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

“I will sing and make melody with all my being!” Psalm 13:1-6; 108:1

Saints of God suffer with full access to the Lord. David poured out his anguished longing for relief from his enemies pursuing and powerful. The faithful through the ages expressed such yearning, welling from divine-imaged souls, for justice, restoration, and peace with God. (Psalm 77:6-15; 108:1; Revelation 6:10)

Children of God recognize in some way that all is not right with the world. Eternity in our hearts, we are fashioned to long in our inner being for restored wholeness and purity. Ongoing struggle and brokenness cry for redemption, and faith tells us it is yet to come. The soul that reposes in Jesus finds and can sing a melody of hope, even if in minor key, because of God’s promises. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

How about us? From what pain or battle are we longing for relief? What melody thrums in our souls through those hard hours and endless struggles? Do difficulties and heartache elicit droning refrains of blame, complaint, or woe, or can we see and give voice to God’s steadfast love, faithfulness, and sovereign will? Do world events wrangle our words to mimic dark anxious fretting, or compel us to lift high the name of God as exalted King over the universe? Do we fill air and space with discordant murmuring, or harmonious melodies?

When sorrow and sighing prevail, God gives joy in the soul. When enemies threaten and loom, our Savior shines hope. The faithful, saving, bountiful Lord God gives songs in the night. No matter my ‘how long,’ will I sing? (Job 35:10)

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

Hear him, ye deaf, his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
behold, ye blind, your Savior comes;
and leap, ye lame, for joy.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~ Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, tune my heart and open my mouth to sing melodies of hope and praise that lift those around me and glorify You.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver.”

“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good…
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
    he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 10:19-20a; 12:14,17-18; 13:3

“I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”

“I will guard my ways,
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle.”

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 17:3; 39:1; 141:3

“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every… creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things ought not to be so.” James 3:2–10

Combat the blaze of careless remarks, rash words, lies, cursing! Lips and the gift of speech that have great power for healing, enrichment, and blessing can also spark great destruction. Man needs constantly tend the door of his mouth to prevent spewing hurt that cannot be retrieved and fires that cannot be unset. The Spirit of God is the supreme Sentry, only He can perfectly restrain and redeem our lips.

It’s important to be aware of the damage unchecked words can cause, and to identify the motives and tendencies of our speech. The Spirit reveals, convicts, and controls as we yield to Him, yet constantly opposing His restraint is the enemy who seeks to undermine, undo, and destroy. How well do we hear, and consistently do we rely on our Gatekeeper? (Job 27:3-4; John 10:10)

In what situations are we most prone to igniting sin and damage with our words? Do caustic rants rise from defensiveness or anger? Demeaning put-downs from insecurity? Complaints from frustrated dreams, or disrespect from pride? Where do we need the Holy Spirit to sanctify determination, desires, and impulses, to train self-control, so our lips issue His truth, loveliness, grace? (Psalm 19:14; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:8)

Lord, may the fruit of my lips unfailingly please and praise You.

“We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust… For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness…

“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5,7,9-12

Paul is consistent in teaching and modeling the responsibility of living for Christ. He’s generous with commendation and careful with admonition: what you are doing right, continue to do, and even more so. His was no stagnant ministry.

It’s natural to get lazy when we get good. We do things well, get affirmation, feel satisfaction, and coast. We can get on a dangerously-easy high humming along in Christian circles and service. As God’s children, we must never let up, but perpetually make effort to please God, address sin, grow in holiness and in love to others. Life in Christ and the influence of His Spirit are never static, but always dynamic. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14–24; 2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Yet the flesh defaults to complacency, even spiritual sloth and idleness. D0 we have a habit of giving that’s become rote and thoughtless? Might the Lord want us to add to the amount, or to attending prayer? Do we give lip service to loving others, yet seldom extend, much less increase, genuine concern, care, help, and time? We may say we want and even pray for holiness, but how committed are we to doing what it takes to continually guard and grow? We might claim to follow God’s word, but how well do we even know it? Are we regularly studying and applying it to opinions, interactions, decisions? What godly attributes do we know, understand, and implement from the Bible better this year than last? We may grow weary doing good, but we must not grow weary in doing good. (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13)

In what God-honoring deeds have we grown stagnant, impatient, lazy? Are we demonstrating consistent increase in facets of spiritual maturity? If not, how will we effectuate regularity in spiritual disciplines, flourishing in spiritual fruit, accountability with fellow believers? How do our character, countenance, and attitudes demonstrate God at work? Where do our lives need a propulsion of growth so we increasingly display Christ? Are we seeking, serving, savoring Him? Do it more! (Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 10:23-25; 12:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-8)

Father, keep me growing and reflecting You more and more, to Your glory.

“The Father… will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you… the Helper, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

“It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you… I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.'” John 14:16-17,26-27; 15:26; 16:7-8,13-15,33

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

Jesus prepared His beloved disciples for His departure and their new way of life without His physical presence. While they could not fully understand His teaching at the time, the very promise that the Spirit would help them understand made sense after His death. His words left them with a splendid, mysterious anticipation that would come to full light after the darkness of His crucifixion and magnificence of His ascension. Indeed the Holy Spirit would abide with, guide, and empower their days going forward.

These words remind and help us also. Every day life is fraught with conundrums of thought, emotion, relationship, and decision. We struggle to make sense of plans divinely interrupted and unwanted intrusions upon health and livelihood. We cannot comprehend the whys and hows and what ifs that play out in international affairs and markets and media. Challenges without and anxieties within, we want help and peace.

For the child of God, His very real and abiding Spirit is present for every vexation. He settles the unsettled, answers the questioning soul, illuminates darkness, elucidates confusion, consoles the hurting, breathes life into exhaustion and peace over storms. How well do we know Him as Counselor, Comforter, and Advocate?

In what trying situations, relational roadblocks, stressful quandaries, or poignant heart matters do we need the Holy Spirit’s help today? Would we pause and ask Him to make Himself real in these specific areas, and watch for how He answers, intervenes, heals, assists, inspires? Acknowledging who He is and that He is nigh brings a peace only God’s children can know.

Lord, teach me reliance on Your blessed, powerful Spirit.

“Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  She had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. She said [to him], ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42

“A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.…‘

“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again…’

“She went and called Mary, saying, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ When she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him…  When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept…

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 11:1-3,20-23,28-30,32-35; 12:1-3

Mary treasured time at the feet of her friend Jesus. Those feet tough and dusty had walked miles and seasons bringing enlightenment, good news, and healing. She relished settling there to listen, to sooth, to weep, to anoint. It was her worthy place as His servant, her comfort place as His friend, her humble place of wonder for this God-man who spent Himself for others. The Lord understood her deepest heart and commended this posture, this place of offering and receiving, as the one thing necessary, the good portion. (John 12:7)

All of God’s children have a portion in Christ Jesus and at His feet. To situate ourselves there is to understand our relationship and value the place of learning and loving. How determined are we to make the necessary commitment of will and time? (John 13:3-5,14-16; Philippians 2:3-8)

What urgencies, what busyness, troubles, and distractions pull us from stooping before Jesus, from stopping to listen? What have we gleaned there that will not be taken away, that we can emulate? Time at Jesus’s feet relieves anxieties, renews hope, and magnifies love.

Lord, keep me loving and learning at Your feet.

“From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.^‘ So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat… It was the day of Preparation of the Passover… He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!^‘ They cried out, ‘Away with him, away with him, crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar.^‘ So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.” John 19:12-16

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” Mark 12:17

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Jesus knew well the fickleness of His hearers and their convoluted handling of authority. They were persnickety about the slightest rule and parsing laws, yet abandoned justice because of crowd persuasion. Governor Pilate wanted to do right, but wanted to please (or placate) the masses more. Of course the Sovereign had set both Caesar and Pilate in place, but God alone was supreme. Only a clear mind could get priorities right and know who was due what.

We get upturned in our thinking about allegiances. The scriptures are clear about headship and authority, but the pressures and entanglements of work demands, peer approval, an impressionable culture, and heated emotions muddy the landscape and mess with our hearts. Fear draws us one way, salacious desires another, and the order and devotion we feel in private moments with the Lord falls to the wayside. When worldly pressures abound, we must keep our allegiance bound to Christ. (John 18:15-17,25-27; 1 Corinthians 11:3)

Are there places or situations where we straddle the place between Christ and the world? Where we’re committed in word but not in desire or deed? Do we know from the Word our responsibility to Caesar, and fulfill it with care? How are we practically honoring those in authority over us for Christ’s sake, not only with fickle submission when we feel like it? Where do we give too much allegiance to the world, at the cost of fidelity to our Savior? When do we succumb to worldly fear more than fear of God?

How do we esteem the greater worthiness of God almighty, and submit to His demands that we lay down our lives for Him? How do our obedience and priorities evidence Him as preeminent Ruler? Reordering allegiances to God first magnifies His supremacy. (Romans 12:1; 1 John 4:3)

Lord, help me keep, honor, and obey You first.