February 7, 2007
Duty Calls
By Melissa Milbourn, She Speaks graduate
Matthew 17:27, “But so that we may not offend them...” (NIV)
Devotion:
I don’t know how it is in your town, but in mine right now there are people standing out on the street, in front of the local tax preparer, dressed up as “Uncle Sam” holding signs and waving to passers-by to remind them that tax season has arrived.
I’m not sure there’s anyone who would say that they love doing their taxes, or gathering all the information to have their taxes done as the case may be. And if you wind up owing Uncle Sam money, you love it even less. But paying our taxes is our duty.
As Christians it’s especially important that we take care of our taxes, for we wear His Name. In Matthew 17 Jesus is speaking of paying the temple tax. He asks “from whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes, from their own sons or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to Peter. “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first catch; open it’s mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours” (vs. 25-27).
You see, Jesus should have been exempt. His Father was King over all the earth! As the Son of God, He did not owe anyone anything. However, because He did not want to offend anyone, He paid anyway. Oh and the way He paid! “Peter, go catch a fish, and in its mouth you’ll find the money!” I love it! Our God is Jehovah-Jireh …He is our provider. Is anything too hard for Him?!
I titled this devotion “Duty Calls” because I figured if I titled it “Pay your Taxes” no one would read it! J But it is our duty to pay our taxes, and God honors our submission to governing authority. If you’re short on money and dreading paying taxes, know that nothing is too hard for Him. Call on the Lord today …He is our provider.
Dear Lord, may we be ever mindful and thankful for the country we live in, and may we call on you to provide all that we are lacking. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Dave Ramsey’s New Year Financial Fitness Special
Five Star Living on a Two Star Budget by Feinberg/Gillespie
Taxes, ETC Corner
Application Steps:
Be joyful. Be grateful. Focus on all the blessings God has given you. Trust Him.
Reflections:
Consider how Jesus, of all people, should not have had to pay taxes, but He did anyway.
Is your financial household in order?
Power Verses:
Genesis 22:14 “and Abraham calleth the name of that place Jehovah Jireh because it is said this day in the mount, ‘Jehovah doth provide.” (Young’s Literal Translation)
Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (NIV)
Romans 13:1 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Wednesday, 07 February 2007.
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