Day 31: I trust You, Lord. I know who I am. Matthew 17:24-27
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. Matthew 17:24-27 KJV
Wow! Peter had just come from the mountain with Jesus. He'd just seen Jesus talking with Elijah and Moses. He'd just heard God call Jesus His beloved son. It's not said how many days past, but when you witness an event like that, you don't easily forget it. Yet here they are in another city, and it seems peter sure enough forgot.
Every year, every male over 20 had to pay the temple tax. This law was created by God and instructed to Moses for the upkeep of the God's house (Exodus 30:13–16). Imagine, a tax to maintain the building they fellowship in. And here people are today complaining about tithing...but back on track. This tax was for all Jews as the Gentiles were not allowed to worship in the temple.
When asked, Peter told the temple tax collector that 'of course Jesus will pay the temple tax' (paraphrased for emphasis). When he approached Jesus, Jesus asked him if a king would tax his own children. Peter basically said no, the tax is for those who aren't part of the royal throne. Do you think he got it at this point? Do you think he understood what Jesus was saying? .
Did you get what he was saying? Why he was asking who the tax was for? Do you also not know who He is and because of Him who you are?
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17 KJV
At times you forget who you are in Christ. You forget the power and authority you have with the Holy Spirit. Don't forget this. You are far greater off remembering this than forgetting it. Back up in Matthew 17 to where Jesus had just told the disciples that with faith, nothing was impossible to them. As a disciple of Christ, this applies to you as well.
Nothing is impossible to you if you believe and stand on the word of God. Don't forget who you are, but remember to serve in humility. You have great power within you, but it's not given for you to be boastful about it. Instead, let your witness be, "I am filled with His power. I am a joint-heir to the throne. I am His. But I am humble and serve with humility." Jesus could've easily not paid the tax. Instead, he humbled himself and paid it. He was probably shaking his head about it, but went ahead and showed His disciples one more time who He was. "Go fishing," He said. "Open the fish's mouth, remove the money, and pay the man."
Don't ever forget who you are in him. Trust in God and nothing will be impossible for you. Always serving in humility, remember the new commandment:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34
Princess,
Keiyia JOYet George
Trust Walk: Walking in His Steps coming soon!