Matthew 17:22-27 | crustybread

From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? Matthew 17:22-27 Much like the Israelites before Moses, there are times when I am guilty of remembering the small pleasure in the midst of what really was a miserable situation. For example, being paid well in an unfulfilling job. In difficult times it can be easy to dismiss the fact that I was serving at less than my capacity because I was being paid well. I was giving too much tribute to the money. To know God, trust and believe in God’s plan, is to raise our consciousness towards the omnipotence of God. We can not expect to live in this physical world and not follow its rules without consequence. However as children of a living God we do not owe tribute to the world. Our tribute is to God who is not limited in power. As believers, we are free to expect God to provide for us especially in times when we need God the most and directly in the face of what the world demands from us. In the end awaits a far greater pleasure.

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…cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up;…open its mouth, you will find a coin… Matthew 17-22-27 The first time I went fishing out on a boat was in Virginia while visiting a friend. I was twelve. We caught a few fish that day but not one had a coin in its mouth. Nevertheless, I’ve loved fishing and Virginia ever since. Some how even at twelve I found peace in both the place and the activity. By profession Peter was a fisherman. Following Jesus around would certainly have taken some time away from doing the one thing that allows him to provide for his family. The issue of the temple tax had to cause some anxiety. What other way to put his mind at ease than to instruct Peter to go do the one thing that he knows; casting a hook? Finding a coin in the mouth of a fish is perhaps the oddest of “miracles” but not so far fetched. Fish are attracted to shiny silver things. Why couldn’t a small coin falling in the water from a boat be one of them? This event helps me to understand that our discipleship is not about experiencing miracles. It’s more about God allowing us to be at peace with who we are as we follow him, blessing us as we use every part of our gifts to the Glory of His Name.