Go to the sea…

“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. “ Matt 17:27

The first time I read something I usually miss one of the most important lessons. 

This story was no different.  But after looking at it again it hit me right between the eyes.

You see, I am all for asking Jesus to send me to the sea to catch a fish with money its mouth.  However…

Do I believe that there was physicaly placed in the mouth of a fish a coin to pay tribute?  Absolutely.

Do I think that Jesus might be saying something more here?  Absolutely.

When Jesus fed the 5,000 His first question to the disciples was, “Why don’t you feed them?”

Jesus has given us all of what we need to meet the needs of the 5,000… would He leave us without what we need to meet our needs?

The Lord convicted me of this one thing when I read this again…

Peter was a fisherman.  I am not.

Had I been the one to go to Jesus with the same question maybe He would have said, “go thou to the school” or, “go thou to the restaurant.”

You see, what He was reinforcing with Peter is the same thin Paul reinforced in the epistle, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Jesus has given us each a talent, a skill… a trade.  When we lack financially… before we cry “woe is me…” we ought to take an inventory… look at our resume… and realize that Christ has already provided us with what we need to be provided for.

Jehovah Jireh was at work before we even set out to find some.

What would He say to you if you came with a tribute question?

Go thou to the work bench…

To the marketing firm…

To the tractor or lawn mower…

To the computer…

What has He gifted you to do?

And when you have done it, and you see the fruit remember the principle of recognition and acknowledgement…

“and give unto them for me and thee.”

Remember to give God the Glory.

SDG