If you be Christ’s, Reflect Him!
Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
Luke 20:24 (NKJV)
Branding, an ancient practice
The concept of branding is an ancient practice that has woven its way through generations and millennia. Ancient civilizations and merchants imprinted their symbols on goods and their slaves, for identity and authenticity. These symbols gave origin to the product and reflected the maker’s idea and value. Branding is as important now as it was thousands of years ago.
Jesus vs the Pharisees and Herodians
Our reflection today from Luke 20:24 (also in Mark 12:16 and Matthew 22:20) is a significant one. The Pharisees and Herodians had arrayed a bunch of unholy and unrighteous spies to set a snare against the Great Teacher. Their question had political and religious implications.
Agreeing to pay taxes would be regarded as an endorsement of Roman suppression and Jewish submission. Indeed, if He is the Saviour as is prophesied, they believed Jesus would deliver them from their political bondage. His very mission and popularity amongst the Jews would be thrown into doubt. His disapproval of redeeming their taxes to the Romans would mean inciting rebellion and sedition. The Herodians and Pharisees would therefore have reason to prosecute Him.
“Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Luke 20:22-25 NKJV
Jesus requests a denarius which bore the image of the great Emperor Tiberius Caesar. Whose image does it have?
Whose image is on you?
This is the critical question for you today? You are the denarii here. It was precious, the daily wage at the time! Whose image do you bear? For the denarii, it was Caesar’s. How about you? Whose image do we find after taking a cursory look and a critical look at you? Do we find a man or woman sold out to God and to His mission or to self and the world? Do we find a man clothed in denial of God’s power and influence over his or her life or do we find a firebrand believer full of the Holy Ghost and reflecting the image of God?
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16
If indeed you bear the image of God, why do you entangle yourselves with the sinful pleasures and passions of this current age? Has morality lost its place in your heart? We claim to have this image of Christ yet lie, steal, malign, hate and stir up ill-motivated factions against one another. Where is Christ when you stand with others to scheme the downfall of your next-door neighbour? Where is Christ when you concern yourselves with selfish ambitions even when it hurts others? Where is Christ when you wear the garment of jealousy and envy and drink of the cup of pride and insubordination against God and His holy word? Where is God in your life?
Does your speech reflect a man and woman who has the inscription of Christ? You see, having the inscription of Christ means you are branded! It is not a cross on the neck or a band on your head or wrist, it is an inscription etched out on your heart, shining wherever you go, reflecting in your voice and expressing itself in your meekness and regard for others.
Five marks of a life branded for Christ
1. TRUTH
Truth is the image of Christ expected to find expression in you. Timothy had it (2 Timothy 1:5). Truth births sincere faith in the believer and directs his or her very actions. The Apostle was certain regarding Timothy because he had tested his heart and was convinced that it was right. What’s the posture of your heart today?
2. TRUST
Trust underpins every faith walk. You ought to trust God if you are to gain anything meaningful from your relationship with Him. The ability to trust Him even when you do not see your desires in sight is the character of a true believer (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trust in God with all your heart, not some of it! When the storms come hard at me, I’d rather trust Him than be carried away!
3. TRUSTWORTHINESS
Having His image and inscription means sharpening yourself to be trustworthy. It means you are reliable, responsible and dependable. To be trustworthy means others can count on you. I recall the words of Cece Winans and Whitney Houston’s classic:
Count on me through thick and thin
A friendship that will never end
When you are weak, I will be strong
Helping you to carry on
Call on me, I will be there
Don’t be afraid
Please believe me when I say
You can count on me
Can we rely on you to be there? Can God rely on you to defend His name?
4. TEMPERANCE
The best example for our learning is Christ Himself. Even at the point of scourging despite his innocence, He refrained from going contrary to God’s plan for humanity. Being temperate may cause blood and sacrifice, but in the end, it will set you apart. There is no prize outside the character of temperance.
5. TREASURE
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote one of the most interesting books I have read in my life titled, “Treasure Island”. In the story, Young Jim Hawkins discovers a pirate’s treasure map from a deceased guest and starts an expedition to recover the hidden treasure together with his companions. They faced mutiny led by one cunning Long John Silver. This led to battles and shifting alliances on Treasure Island. Eventually, with help from Ben Gunn, Jim and the loyal crew outwit the pirates, recover the treasure, and return home. They were not ready to stop. They escaped plots and dissensions while keeping faith in the treasured map. They were not disappointed in the end.
The walk with God is like a treasure hunt. We have the map, the Bible, to guide us to this hidden treasure. We ought to be willing to despise every challenge and seek Him out with all our hearts.
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
If indeed you bear Christ’s image, treasure Him and you offer Him your treasure as well. Jim and his friends invested their treasured time, resources, and life to find the treasure they sought.
Whose image do you bear? Prove to God that you bear His inscription and image not in mere rhetoric but in full demonstration. The identity you have matters!
Reflect, Respond, and Rise
Take a moment to look in the mirror, not at your physical appearance, but at your spiritual identity. What image stares back at you? Is it the image of Christ, clearly etched through years of faithful living, or is it a blurred reflection, confused by worldly influences and compromised choices?
We live in a culture of spiritual counterfeiting. It’s easier to wear the Christian label than to bear the Christian image. But today, you have a choice.
Pray with me: Heavenly father, help me to reflect Your true image daily. Teach me Your ways, that I may always please You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Your Next Steps:
1. Conduct a personal brand audit – Which of the five marks (Truth, Trust, Trustworthiness, Temperance, Treasure) needs the most work in your life?
2. Choose one specific area to focus on this week
3. Find an accountability partner who can help you stay authentic to your spiritual branding.
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I want to hear from you. In the comments below, share which of the five marks resonates most with your current spiritual journey. Your story might be exactly what another reader needs to hear today.
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