Plus, this Friday found us with the sun shining and the temperature rising above 40 degrees for the first time in what feels like a long time. If all that wasn’t enough cause for rejoicing, it was payday! My husband had our tax appointment this week, and he hasn’t smiled since. I’m pretty sure that my paycheck is not going to cover it. Farmers do not have regular withholding like the rest of us, so we face one big chunk at tax time. I was thinking about going fishing.
Matthew 17:24-27
“When they arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, "Does your teacher pay taxes?" Peter said, "Of course." But as soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. "Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays—his children or his subjects?" He answered, "His subjects." Jesus said, "Then the children get off free, right? But so we don't upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us."
Was that a literal fish? I suppose it was; there is no indication that Jesus was being metaphorical. I have also decided to take the bible literally unless it declares it otherwise. For example, Jesus identified his metaphors/similes as he told parables in Matthew saying “The kingdom of heaven is like:"
• A man who sowed good seed in his field
• A mustard seed which a man took and planted
• Yeast that a woman mixed with flour
• Treasure hidden in a field
• A merchant looking for fine pearls
• A net that was let down into the lake
• Owner of a house who brings out treasures
• A king who wanted to settle accounts
• A landowner who went out early in the morning
• A king who prepared a wedding banquet
So I’m thinking that lying or swimming around here somewhere is the provision for those taxes, even though we are the children of the king (as mentioned above by Jesus). Did you notice that he indicated that if we did not pay, we would upset “them” needlessly. That pretty much describes the probable IRS reaction to an explanation that we are the king of the earth’s children and therefore do not owe taxes.
By the way, where has all that tax money we have paid in the past gone? We’ve been paying taxes for years and years; and even so, the state and the nation are deep in debt. Why is that? It is far more fun to live in times of economic boon, when jobs are plentiful and salaries increase yearly; however, in the hard times, we are more apt to recognize our need for the Lord. As I read the news, this is one of those times to seek Him and His provision.
♫ “You and me going fishing in the dark
Lying on our backs and counting the stars
Where the cool grass grows. . .”
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1 comment:
Well said, Carol.
btw...my most recent post "necessary evil" is for Leon as well. I admire him and the difficult task that was before the board. Please express my gratitude for his grace and open mind during the last meeting.
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