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Day 48 Matthew 17:24 Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He said, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What think thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter said unto him, Of strangers. Jesus said unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first comes 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. Nobody likes to pay taxes, though most of us have done so since we started working. Before Peter could say anything to Jesus when he entered the house after being confronted about tribute, Jesus asked him who rightly paid tribute, and then told Peter how to get the money for the tribute. It’s not everyday you find money in a fish. Yet, it was the amount needed to pay Jesus’ and Peter’s tribute. As Christians, you have an obligation to the government to pay taxes if you earn a living. Your example for doing so is Jesus. He also showed the money would be provided, even when it doesn’t look like you have enough. For most of you, your taxes are taken from your paycheck, making it easy to pay your taxes, and even get a refund if you overpay those taxes. Therefore, you shouldn’t grumble or complain about paying taxes, but do so willingly, and live with a clear conscience having met your obligation. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for helping me meet my obligations in paying taxes. Show me that in doing so, I am honoring you as well as fulfilling my obligation to the government. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 6 June 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay