Voice: Terry
Today is Friday, 3rd of October. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.
Amen.
We read Psalm 31:19-24
How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the Lord,
for he showed me the wonders of his love
when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.
Mark 12:13-17
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
And they were amazed at him.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Give back to Caesar…
Down through the ages, this memorable quote has shaped how Christians view secular authorities. Jesus legitimised the governing authority of the day. A subject should pay taxes, observe the law, and fulfil civic duties. This is not incompatible with one’s loyalty to God.
Christians are called to respect lawful authorities, for all authority comes from God (cf. Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17). As Paul says in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Our submission to earthly authority is ultimately an expression of our submission to God.
If a coin bears the image of the authority, what then bears the image of God? Perhaps Jesus was implying that as we are made in God’s image, we belong to Him. Just as Caesar has a rightful claim to our taxes, God has a rightful claim to us who bear His image.
Understood as a larger principle, this teaching can shape how we view life in general. We all live under various forms of authority—parents, school teachers, workplace supervisors, and the civil authorities of our country. Fulfilling our responsibilities in these spheres is an important mark of Christian discipleship.
The principle that “one should obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) becomes relevant when human authority stands in the way of our relationship with God—especially in times of persecution.
The teachings of Jesus continue to guide Christians in every society. We are called to be salt and light, especially when societal values and practices run contrary to God’s Kingdom. While we cannot impose our values on others, we can set an example and be pace-setters for cultural change. Cultivating integrity in every area of life will help build a consistent fear of God in our hearts and strengthen our witness.
Here in Singapore, it is relatively clear what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God, and we can honour both. Take a moment to repent if you have been careless or dishonouring toward the authorities set over you.
In some countries, such as Myanmar, it is far more difficult to discern what is right to do. Take a moment today to pray for our brothers and sisters in Myanmar, that they may have wisdom and courage in these challenging times.
We end with this ancient prayer for our authorities:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Be blessed by He is worthy, by Andrew Petersen, which captures a biblical vision of Christ’s reign over the world we live in.
Do you feel the world is broken?
(We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen?
(We do)
But do you know that all the dark won’t
Stop the light from getting through?
(We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new?
(We do)
Is all creation groaning?
(It is)
Is a new creation coming?
(It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
(It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
(It is)
Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He was David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is
Does the Father truly love us?
(He does)
Does the Spirit move among us?
(He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves?
(He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us?
(He does)
Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is!
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is!
He is!
Link to today’s Morning Office
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at info@mpcc.org.sg
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