Money is a great mischief maker, even among followers of Jesus.
As we serve Christ together, the need for financial resources is ever present. Billy Graham once said, "The gospel is free, but the bucket you carry it in costs money." True indeed.
A little incident took place in Matthew, chapter 17 that can clear things up for us--at least a bit. Jewish leaders wanted to know if Jesus and his followers paid the half-shekel tax that was required by the Old Testament Law. (see Exodus 30:13,14) This tax was the equivalent of two days' wages that was collected each year from every Jewish male over age twenty for the upkeep of the temple.
Jesus gave Peter a very unusual assignment. "...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." (Matt. 17:27--New King James Version)
The Lord had a need, He gave a clear command, Peter obeyed, and God provided--in a miraculous and unexpected way!
Missionary Judson Taylor said, "God's work, done God's way, will not lack God's supply." What has Jesus commanded us to do? "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19) So if you're concerned about the cash flow for the Kingdom, there's one simple solution. It's time to go fishing! If we are obedient, He will provide! It's an unshakable principle of the Kingdom economy. The coin is in the fish's mouth. Go Fish!
[By the way, the back story on today's photo is awesome. His dad wrote, "Though Travus loves to surf and spent the better part of the day doing so, his day wasn't going to be complete unless he got some fishing in ;-) ] May that be said of us! Surf all you want...but your day won't be complete until you do some fishing! Great stuff!
Live the Red,
Mark
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Go Fish!
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4 comments:
Mark,
Thank you for taking the time to share this. I stumbled onto your site about a month ago and have been 'lurking' ever since. My family and I are preparing to serve at RVA and with finances being our last hurdle, I really needed to read this today. Again, thank you!
God Bless,
Brooks
Brooks, What will your responsibilities be at RVA? My wife is a '74 grad and I've had a couple of nieces and a nephew graduate in recent years. Going with AIM? Let me know. Mark
Reminds of the proverb, ..
"work is for those who never learned how to fish!"
Hi Mark! I had no idea how many ties you had with the school - that's great! Yes, we are going with AIM. We are going to be dorm parents, probably to high schoolers. Rusty, my husband is also going to be helping with computers/information technology at the school. We are planning on leaving this summer - barring any financial hang ups. You can find more about our family at www.reachingafrika.org.
God Bless, Brooks
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