Apr
30
Rich Fish
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours. ~ Matthew 18:28
OBSERVATION:
Imagine you’re Peter and Jesus is telling you this. Now, you’ve been a fisherman all your life and I’m pretty sure of all the gazillion fish you’ve caught, none of them had any money in their mouths. (I’m sure if that was the case, women would encourage their husbands to go fishing every weekend!) What do you do? Do you tell Jesus he’s nuts, or do you believe and run out to the sea?
APPLICATION:
I was talking about this Scripture with a couple people this morning before I read. I’m pretty sure I’ve read Matthew before, but I didn’t remember this part – something you could hardly forget. One guy said he wished the Scripture kept going – what was Peter’s response? The other guy said it’s like Jesus flexing his muscles – showing people what’s up. I think it has more to do with than just that (although we definitely see the power of Christ here).
I think Jesus is trying to take away some of the emphasis we put on money. The money Peter was to “fish” from the fish’s mouth was going to be used to pay their temple tax.
I got a phone call from a friend this morning who is at the beginning stages of a divorce. He said he got married young and placed too much emphasis on money. He put that before his faith and family. He feels this is one of the reasons that his marriage didn’t work out. Money is important, but it’s not to be idolized and put before Christ.
As a missionary who receives her finances from other people, it’s so easy to play the worry game and doubt. But it’s so much more comforting to put that worrying energy into my faith and trust God. He will provide for me and He has. Not always in ways I’ve wanted, but always in ways I’ve needed.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, for being with me every step during this humbling experience. Thank you for Your provision and the reminder that every good thing comes from You.