Made in His Image

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?“ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.  Matthew 22:15-22

The denarius was made in the emperor’s image, so it was fitting to give that back to the emperor.  But what is made in God’s image?  What should be given back to God?

God gives us talents.  God gives us love.  God gives us forgiveness.  God gives us patience.  God gives us that quiet feeling of satisfaction at the beginning of the weekend, that sense of completion and rest.  God gives us the joy of celebration.  God gives us the love that comes from others.  God gives us the reminder that we are loved exactly as we are, no matter what.

We ourselves are made in God’s image, so let us give ourselves both to God and to others as God commands us.

Prayer: God, thank you for all of the gifts you give us.  Not only the gift of your love, the gift of your Son, and the gift of eternal life with you, but the little gifts you give us daily that remind us of your love and draw us back to you.  Remind us to give ourselves joyfully to you and to transform our lives in the giving.  Help us give of ourselves to those around us and transform the world through your love.  Amen!

Stephen Case-Blanchard