16/05/2018 - WE FIND RESOURCES IN THE SEA

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Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you. Matthew 17:27

The Master’s instruction to his disciple was plain and simple, which, he gave without any pause for reflection, and guaranteed the payment of the tax. (Matthew 17:24, 25). He should go to sea and fish in many waters, which represent the Kingdom of God and is a symbol for the divine Word, the essential for both to pay the tax.  How much time do we often lose by not seeking in God’s sea, what is needed in order not to cause grief to others?

That our hearts may be clear and sure: the Lord does not want any deviation from His work, nor any tax evasion.  Even if not needed, we must honor our commitment to fulfill our obligations.  “Cesar” needs resources to maintain the nation’s structure; this way everyone is benefitted.  When the church equals itself to those who practice devious ways, a scandal occurs.  

Once you sought help from the Lord, be attentive to what He will do, for in all cases it will be the best way to go.  Jesus gave Peter clear directions, and no doubt will also give us.  In that case, a fish was used to contain the sufficient for payment of the taxes.  In order to supply Elijah’s’ needs, God used raven that took meat and bread to him.  No doubt, the instrument chosen to be used by the Almighty is written in His Word.

There must have been a true competition at sea on that day.  The fish in those waters understood that they should search in the deep and be the one that was hooked by Peter.  This time, the disciple couldn’t use a net or any other fishing device, but yes a hook.  Be careful not to do things other than how you were told.  Moses, for example did not pay attention to the order of the Lord when he went to take water from the rock a second time.  He did what he should not have and was disqualified.

All the fish but one was forbidden to bite Peter’s bait, even if they desired to serve God.  This just goes to show how there is a complete and exact ordering of things in the Kingdom of God.  Even the fish were instructed concerning what they could and should do.  It would be grand if all the plans of men and his rebellions would cease in the church!  No doubt the church would be masterful in achieving and fulfilling its mission. Ask Dathan, Korah and Abiram if it paid to be rebels.  What will they say?

The fish that would bring the money would have to be the first to be caught by Peter.  If another came with nothing, the Word of Christ would not be forthcoming, and then how would the Almighty stand? This not only shows that He is a God of faith, He knows all creatures obey him, but unfortunately this is not the case among men.  Mercy! We are worse than the lives created to feed us! May the Father have mercy on us!

This fishing would be vast, but he would have to only open the mouth of the first fish to supply that need, paying the tax for the Lord and for him.  In the true sea of promises, the fishing can be really great, but follow the instructions so that you shall not be in want.

In Christ, with love, 

R. R. Soares