Re:Verse passage – Matthew 17:24-27 (day six)
“But go ahead, and cast a hook….,” Jesus said.
I imagine Jesus paused there, for effect.
Didn’t he just tell me, “the sons are free.”? And now he wants me to go work to pay both our taxes, four days wages. Impossible. And all so we don’t offend them.
“…catch just one fish, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Use that to pay both our taxes.”
Once again, when Peter thought there was no way, Jesus made a way. Peter was under no obligation to pay the tax (in Jesus’ new Kingdom), nor did he have the means, but was instructed now, to freely and lovingly give out of the providential abundance Jesus alone provides.
Here’s the promise Christian, Jesus is always our benefactor. When we sacrificially and freely love, serve, and give to others, Jesus will provide the necessary resources, energy, and strength the moment demands. That’s the miracle. Do you believe Him?
I do believe in the principle of “giving freely, receiving freely.” It is a “give and take” concept and it works. The resources, including spiritual gifts, are giving to us from above and we need to spend them the way God intended for them to be used.