Daily Devotional: Thursday April 15
Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Repairing Relationships
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster; Glory to God Forever by Fee; Love Came Down by Ben Cantelon; From the Inside Out by Hillsong.
Read: Matthew 17:24-27 Romans 13:6-7
Bible Challenge: Luke 23
Think: I will confess that I watch a reality TV Show. It is called "The Deadliest Catch." Camera men go onboard Alaskan fishing/crabbing vessels to document the dangers involved in this profession. It is an adrenaline rush to watch how close the men come to death as a result of massive ocean waves, unsecured equipment, frigid weather and human error. The goal is to bring in the greatest catch possible to earn large amounts of money.
Jesus turned to fishing for money on at least one occasion. He believed it was important to pay required tax so as not to offend those in authority. Jesus gave Peter, an experienced fisherman, the order, "throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." I'd call that the "Luckiest Catch." That's our Jesus, solving an ordinary life issue in an extraordinary way. Once again His followers see that with God all things are possible.
Today is tax day. Many of us have hoped that Jesus would lead us to the fish with the coin in his mouth. Most likely that has not happened and yet we are asked to "submit to authorities not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." (Romans 13:5) The Bible teaches us in Romans 13:7, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." I am good on the taxes, all calculated and submitted, hopefully you are too. But what about those last two ideas? When was the last time we gave respect and /or honor to another? The verse that follows says, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
Do: Choose today to pay up on a debt. Only you and I know what we owe. Whether it is monetary, emotional or spiritual, all debts are to be paid as we follow Christ's example.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, give me a grateful heart. As I am asked to pay my debts make me aware of the abundance you have given me. Help me to trust you more and worry less. Bring to mind the person to whom I owe honor and respect and give me the opportunity to give what I owe. Thank you Lord for your example of living a debt free life. AMEN
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.
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