“Therefore,” Jesus said, “give back to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” — Matthew 22:21 (HCSB)

The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus, so they asked him a question about taxes, sure that no matter what the popular Teacher said, he’d anger someone and lose credibility.

Of course, Jesus knew this. Wise and subtle, is our Lord. I can see his face. Sharp eyes, a lifted brow, perhaps, as he called for a coin to be brought to him. The authority in his voice as he indicated with work-hardened hands whose picture was on the coin, instructing with simplicity instead of convoluted debate.

Jesus rocked. The Pharisees were rolled. And today, even now, we know that it is right to pay our taxes as they are what our government requires to function.

This is not to say I give wholehearted support taxation in all of its forms. I most emphatically do not.

“In his place one will arise who will send out a tax collector for the glory of the kingdom; but within a few days he will be shattered, though not in anger or in battle.” — Daniel 11:20

Notice, here, that this is a tax collector, too. Not one who is approved of God, but one who is seeking “glory for the kingdom.” Not God’s Kingdom, either, but one who is seeking ostensibly to make his own nation mighty.

But how can a nation be made mighty when its people are crippled by debt? You see, here, that the tax collector will be put aside. Shattered, the Scripture says. Not in battle, but shattered. Why? Because he will have served his purpose. He will have crippled a nation, or many nations. He will have made them weak and needy when they should be strong and courageous.

Then what? Pay attention, dear Reader. These things are happening NOW. As we sit and are angered and plan for future elections and the future of our children… The world is spiraling into something we will not recognize.

“In his place a despised person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come during a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue.” — Daniel 11:21

I tell you again: I am NOT a prophet. But I am not an ignorant chick sitting here on the Florida Peninsula. I have eyes. I have ears. And I am watchful.

Tags: Daniel, End of the Age, Jesus, Pharisees, politics, prophecy, taxes