Many people will be rushing off to the post office today in an attempt to beat the ever-present deadline of filing tax returns. The old cliché of death and taxes is a sobering reminder on April 15th perhaps more than any other day of the year.
Chances are Jesus and His disciples were not scurrying all over Galilee two thousand years ago on this day to pay their taxes, but they did pay. When confronted with the issue of paying tribute, Jesus instructed Peter to cast a hook into the sea and catch a fish. The first fish caught would have a certain amount of money allotted to pay the taxes of both Peter and Jesus. This unusual story in Matthew 17 reminds us of two important financial truths: the first, we are obligated to financially support our country and the second, God always provides for our needs.
If you are like most Americans these days, it is difficult to watch your hard-earned money fall into the hands of politicians who seem to have little interest outside of their own political advancement. But remember, Jesus lived under the hard-pressed rule of Rome, and He said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars.” It is easier to pay taxes when you consider it as an act of obedience to God. God in return proves Himself as Jehovah-Jireh, and supplies in supernatural ways. Fish before you file!