The Daily Devotional
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Faith in the Unseen
Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. (Mark 12:17)
Introduction
In Mark 12:17, Jesus tells us, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s." This passage invites us to consider the distinct realms of our earthly obligations and our spiritual commitments. As we delve into this Scripture, we encounter a challenge to discern what truly belongs to the divine.
Reflection
In the beloved Peanuts comic strip, Linus famously waits for the Great Pumpkin every Halloween, enduring ridicule and doubt from his friends. Despite never having seen the Great Pumpkin, Linus remains steadfast in his belief that it will appear. This humorous scenario offers a poignant reflection on faith and the challenges of holding onto beliefs that others might not share or understand.
Much like Linus, we are often caught between the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the spiritual. Jesus’ instruction to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God’s emphasizes this division. It asks us to recognize and honor our spiritual convictions just as we would our civic duties. However, unlike Linus’s faith in the Great Pumpkin, our faith is grounded in the reality and truth of God’s presence and promises.
Application
The challenge for us, then, is to live out our faith in everyday actions without compromising or conflating our spiritual beliefs with worldly pressures. When we face decisions, big or small, we must ask ourselves: Are we giving God what rightfully belongs to Him? This might mean prioritizing prayer in our busy schedules, standing firm in our moral convictions, or simply choosing kindness and compassion in a world that often values the opposite.
Conclusion
Linus's unshakeable belief in the Great Pumpkin, though comical, reminds us of the importance of conviction in things unseen. As Christians, we are called not just to believe but to act on our beliefs, rendering unto God the devotion, love, and service that we owe Him above all else.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern between our earthly responsibilities and our heavenly duties. Strengthen our faith in Your unseen hand at work in our lives. Help us to serve You faithfully, giving You all that we are and all that we have in accordance with Your will. Teach us to hold onto our beliefs with the same conviction as Linus but rooted in Your eternal truth. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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