Ya gotta read this letter!
There is an ancient letter written by a Roman citizen to a rare group of people living in Rome. This group had shifted their loyalty from the Roman Emperor to declare a Lord other than Caesar. They boldly proclaimed that a man who was tortured and crucified by Rome in the distant Eastern part of the Empire had risen from the dead and is greater than Caesar.
Instead of honoring Caesar as Lord and as a god (or even as a great man), this letter sent to that rare group of people in the city of Rome (Caesar’s home) completely ignores him. It begins by boldly declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord and reminding the Roman recipients that they are called to belong to and obey Jesus through faith and be His followers — His Spirit-led people. It states that their faith is being reported throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
Today that letter is part of the Bible. You can read it anytime. It will show you why true Spirit-led faith in Christ is a threat to human governments and their religion. It’s not an alliance with them or reliance on them. The New Testament letter of Romans is a radical call to always focus on, rely on, and obey Jesus as Master and Lord above every human authority.
Human governments are set up by God to maintain order in human society. They should be obeyed but never allowed to cause you to disobey the risen Jesus or to replace Him as your living Lord and Absolute Master.
The Roman government required that all people living within the Empire sacrifice to Caesar and proclaim, “Caesar is Lord.” To refuse to do so usually meant death. However, most Christians would instead proclaim, “Jesus is Lord.” Who is the Lord, the Absolute Master, in your heart and life?
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Short Reflections, Lasting Encouragement 