“But we don’t want to offend these people. So go to the lake and drop in a line. Pull up the first fish you hook, and in its mouth, you will find a coin worth enough for my Temple tax and yours. Take it and pay them our taxes.” Matt 17:27 GNT
In a new way, I saw this scripture from another angle as I read this encounter. Most times, we are thrilled by the fact that Jesus is able to make provision from unimaginable sources; putting money in the mouth of a fish for the use of His disciples and Himself. The story surrounding this incidence reveals that though Jesus and His disciples were not obliged to pay that particular tax, yet He made provision for the payment. He led the disciples in the path of provision to pick the money up where it was placed. On the other hand, I see another very important thing here; He led the disciples in the path of honor. That provision brought honor to them. I guess the tax collectors would probably have made so much noise and embarrassed them if that (tax)money was not paid. They would have made unnecessary noise and raised dust to embarrass Jesus and His disciples but this was averted by the divine provision.
When there is provision, there is honor. Whenever there is provision, there is joy, peace and progress. Provision brings joy, peace and honor.
Thank God, the disciples did not rationalize; they did not argue nor reason it out. They only simply obeyed the instruction as given by the Lord. Jesus led the disciples in the path of provision and in the path of honor. When there is provision, there is honor. Whenever there is provision, there is joy, peace and progress. Provision brings joy, peace and honor.
As we commence another new year, it is my prayer that the Almighty God leads me and you in the path of divine providence and abundance of miraculous blessings. May we equally be led in the path of honor. May whatever is waiting to bring us embarrassment, shame or disgrace be completely overtaken by the Lord as He prepares ahead of us all we will need to walk and live in the path of honor and glory. As God leads us, may we humbly follow the paths He channels for our provision and honor. May we enjoy divine provisions, peace and honor in the year 2026 and beyond and may our lives bring Him glory. Amen!
© Funmi Adebayo