Psalm 104
This psalm is a beautiful reminder to praise God as the creator. It is straightforward and beautifully written. First, creation is compared to a house for which God laid the foundations and the beams and even hung the curtains! In His goodness, he maintains the creation and provides for all living things. He even made the seasons and the sun and moon and keeps them on schedule. All creation is subject to Him. I hope you will read this psalm. The poetry is really matchless even in the translation!
Luke 20:20-47
The religious leaders continue to try to trick Jesus so they can have Him arrested. He doesn't fall for their tricks but actually adds to their guilt.
vv. 20-26 teach us that we should be faithful in paying our bills and responsibilities. I've heard of Christians who refuse to pay taxes because of how some of the money is used, but Jesus clearly teaches that this is a responsibility we should fulfill. (I'm sure those non-payers drive on the interstate highways and call 911 when they are in trouble and eventually reside in the prison system!--so aside from Jesus' commandment, we all profit from what the government does though it is often maddening.) And then Jesus goes on to say that just as we pay our taxes to the government, we must also give back to God what belongs to Him.
vv. 27-40 record the Sadducees (who don't even believe in the resurrection) asking Jesus a trumped up and convoluted question about marriage in heaven. Jesus teaches them a little about what heaven will be like and reaffirms that the resurrection is indeed real.
vv. 41-47 Finally Jesus asks them a question. This question teaches us that though Jesus was humanly descended from David, He was still David's Lord and Savior. This was even prophesied in the Old Testament.
And then He goes on to criticize the religious leaders for their pride and hypocrisy. They loved the honor they received, but in their actions they were shameless cheaters.
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