The government collects taxes now and even in Biblical times.  Aid, military support, schools, funding, there are a myriad of places for our taxes to go.  For many, it is a day they dread, paying what is owed (or for some actually being paid back).

As Jesus walked this earth, tax collectors collected what was due to the government of the times.  Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples was the tax collector of Capernaum (near the Sea of Galilee). Zacchaeus was chief tax collector in Jericho, closer to Jerusalem and near the Dead Sea. Zacchaeus’ name in Hebrew means clean and pure.  The story in Luke describes Zacchaeus as short in stature and someone who perhaps kept some of the tax monies for himself.  Hearing Jesus was coming to Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree for a better view.  Jesus stopped, looked up and told Zacchaeus He would be coming to his house that day.  Zacchaeus hearing the grumbling of others calling him a sinner, repented immediately stating he would return monies that were not his and if he had cheated anyone would pay that back four-fold.  Supposedly, the sycamore tree that he climbed, now 2000 years old, still exists on the grounds of a museum in that area.

Romans 13:7 reminds us to pay what is owed to others/government and not to withhold it.  Reading on to verse 8 we are told to not be indebted to anyone, except to one another in love.  Love your neighbor to fulfill God’s love.

Let April 15^th   ( or this year extended to July 15, 2020) not be a day you dread, but instead a reminder day to step up even more love for one another. Climb your tree of faith, always look for Jesus. Lift yourself up and stand tall.  Find His light in others. Allow Him to live within your heart.  Zacchaeus repented; you do the same. God loved him unconditionally as He does you.

Jill