Clever

“‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” (Mark 12:17).

The Tribute Money (Titan)

I really love clever people.

I am not talking about clever people who are completely immoral or amoral.  I do not think that intelligence in any way replaces morality and ethics and good behaviour.  However, I certainly think that intelligence is a very attractive thing.

We are created in the image and Likeness of God.  That means that we have an immortal soul that will live eternally – even when our bodies turn to dust.  It also means that we are given intelligence just as God is intelligent.  When I speak of intelligence in this context, I do not simply mean that a person must be clever at school-work.  I mean that people can be creative and express intelligence in this way.  They can be artistic and express intelligence this way.  They can be social and express intelligence that way.  And of course, they can be intellectual and express intelligence that way!

I have been thinking about that today…

God is clever.  He is shockingly clever.  He is more clever than I could ever imagine as God is without SIN and He is perfect therefore, there is nothing to limit His intelligence, while my own intelligence is limited by my inferior form.  For example, when I am tired, I am less capable.  When I am angry, I cannot think clearly, and many other things…

Christ is so clever…

“And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to entrap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it.’ And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” (Mark 12:13-17).

They could not trap Christ.  They could not trick Him.  Even at the hour of His death, He did not get caught in a web of deceit.  He was not tricked into revealing Himself to others.  He revealed Himself knowingly because He knew that they were lost and would not be swayed, but He wanted to save me – twenty centuries into the future…And there is so much to worship in that magnificent intelligence of God – not only the intelligence of the Father who created the universe out of nothing, but also in the intelligence of the Son who was able to outwit the Pharisees, because He is good.  He is so BEAUTIFULLY good!

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.