SOAP 04/30/2012; Matthew 17:27

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
     
S)"²⁷ However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."
     

Matthew 17:27 (NASB)

     

O) There are 2 things that I noticed about this verse. The first part is why Jesus did this. In the previous verse, He just showed to Simon Peter why they are truly exempt from this particular tax, but Jesus still chose to have the tax paid, so that they wouldn't offend. That word, "offend" is perhaps more literally translated as "cause them to stumble" and so we see that Jesus chose to conform to a restriction, a regulation, in order for others to have an easier time. Through that, though, He still didn't want His disciples burdened, and so He performs a miracle for them.
The second thing about this verse is what the miracle actually was; it was still an exercise of faith. Jesus was able to cause two coins to appear in the mouth of a fish, so He could have had them appear in His own robe and simply pulled them out. Instead, He creates an exercise of faith where His disciple still has to do something, in order to receive the grace He's providing. The reward was still grace beyond the work, but it still required work.
   
A) First, as instruction, I need to be sure that I am not becoming any kind of hindrance or stumbling block to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Secondly, when I need a miracle, I need to remember that God isn't likely to just drop the blessing in my lap. While He can do it that way, it seems much more common that I actually have to participate in bringing the blessing to fruition. I can never be deceived, though. I am not causing miracles to happen. I am only ever being obedient to His command, and being blessed as a result of that obedience in faith.

     

P) Father, as Paul said, Your grace is sufficient. If You withheld every blessing from me except my eternal salvation, between now and when I die, I would still be blessed and grateful. But, Your grace and blessings to me have gone so very far beyond that. My wife and marriage, my kids and family, the job I have, the toys I have, my health, my friendships, even the talents and gifts I have - the list is endless, Lord. Only You will ever know all of the ways You have blessed me, so my thankfulness should also know no limit. When I am commanded to do anything, Holy Spirit, remind me that the blessings for obedience are always disproportionate to my level of participation. You always bless so much more than my reward should rightfully be. Keep my heart soft, God, so that I am eternally grateful. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.