DCLM Daily Manna 25 February 2026 — Delicate but Necessary Balance
DCLM Daily Manna 25 February 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Delicate but Necessary Balance
TOPIC: Delicate but Necessary Balance (DCLM Daily Manna 25 February 2026)
KEY VERSE: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
TEXT: Matthew 22:15-22 (KJV)
15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:
Mei Ling (name changed) was a house church leader in a restrictive Asian country. The government mandated that all churches register under state control,which would mean compromising biblical teachings. Many pastors complied out of fear, but Mei Ling believed this would dishonour Christ’s lordship over the Church. Shecontinued leading secret Bible studies,citing Acts 5:29: “…We ought to obey God rather than men.” When authorities raided her meetings, she refused to deny her faith, even under threat of imprisonment. Mei Ling still respected other laws (paying taxes, not inciting violence), but she drew the line where the government contradicted God’s Word. She prioritised worship, evangelism, and discipleship—rendering to God what belonged to Him. Her courage strengthened other believers to remain faithful in that community.
Also Read: Open Heaven 25 February 2026 – The Unlimited God (7)
In our text, the Pharisees and Herodians intended to ensnare Jesus by His own words. They asked Him whether paying tax to Caesar was right or wrong. It was a question with profound religious and political implications. The question of the Pharisees was a trap, intended to put Jesus in a dilemma. If He said “yes”, it would pitch Him against the people who resented paying tax to their Roman oppressors. If, on the other hand, He answered in the negative, He would be accused of inciting insurrection against the Roman Government, even though that would please the Jews. Jesus perceived their evil intent and dealt with it appropriately. He asked for a tribute (tax) coin and enquired whose image was on it. It was Caesar’s! Caesar’s image on the coin (denarius) signified his ownership and authority. Therefore, Jesus told them that since the money was Caesar’s, it was their civic duty to give it back to him.
Also Read: DCLM Daily Manna 24 Febuary 2025 – Promised Restoration
In the same breath, Jesus tries to emphasise the need to balance our civic duties with our irrevocable divine obligations that prioritise surrendering our lives to God, whose image we bear, by creation.Humans must submit to divine ownership and authority.
As Christians, it is our duty to obey the laws of our nations, as long as they do not contradict God’s word. Beyond that, our total allegiance and loyalty must be given to God in active and productive service. And as the Scriptures emphasise, “Ye are bought with a price: therefore,glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God’s.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We owe God everything and society some things
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 5-7
Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
