Whose Image?

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. Luke 20:19-26

It is a n incredibly stormy day in this part of the world. The wind is whipping around and rattling the windows and doors. Water is running everywhere and it feels like a day to stay inside and hibernate. Lights are out in many places as trees have given up their upright status and fallen over power lines. I watched as the cat tried to follow the water running down the windows. I couldn't help but wonder what image did she see? Was she just fascinated with the movement or was she wondering, like I do sometimes, who is behind the wind and the storm?

The disciples were asking questions always, and so were the religious leaders. They all seemed to fuss over money. An occupied people, they felt put upon to have to pay taxes to a distance ruler and support an invading army. But Jesus had them look at the coin as to whom it belonged. And he asks us today to look at ourselves and our lives, and see to whom we really belong. Is a label more prominent than our faith and compassion? Is lucre or love more important in our lives? We all have to look into the windows of our souls and know whose image we reflect.

I ask God today, to help me know who I belong to and whose image I reflect. I ask that I can examine my heart and reflect the good image of our great Creator in every thing I do, now and always.