In light of current events in the IRS and DOJ I thought a little Biblical Perspective on Tax Collectors might be in order. The Apostle Matthew records Jesus comparing Tax Collectors to:

Prostitutes – Those who put themselves first – Pagans – Sinners.

Of course we know that Prostitutes, those who do not show love to others, pagans and sinners – like Uncle Larry – can all be saved – if they confess their sin and ask for forgiveness. Somehow I don’t think “taking the fifth” and lying to Congress fall under the category of confession and asking for forgiveness – but I’m just saying.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. Matthew 21:31

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Matt 5:46

If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:17

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:10

However, I saved the best for last. It’s a prophesy from the Book of Daniel – speaking of the last days:

“His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle. He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.” Daniel 11: 20-21

I could be wrong here but I can close my eyes now and see Michelle and her friends and family spending and “maintaining the royal splendor” living their lives of intrigue.

Unce Larry