Matthew 17:27
"Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."
Bible Reading for a Year [bible]prove12[/bible]; [bible]galat1[/bible]; [bible]iking5-6[/bible]
Someone once said that every man has his own tendency to not be disadvantaged. It makes us consider our own experience, whether we have been a doer or a victim. However, what’s the point of being advantaged yet become a stumbling block? Even though we are in the right side, later we will be disadvantaged.
If the right Jesus did not want to pay the two-drachma tax to the collectors of the Temple tax, what would happen? Of course that would be a stumbling block for other people who considered Him neglectful in doing the God’s rules, i.e. to take care of His house.
There are so many things happen in life including those who we do not like. We may be scolded for doing the right thing; we may be treated badly for making no mistakes. We may feel life is not in our side even though we pay tithe and serve faithfully.
Paul said, why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? From him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. “Is that so easy?” No, that is not—even though we may have 2-5 tunics. It is not easy to offer the other cheek to him who strikes us on the one cheek. We may be hurt. But if we do good to those who fare good to us, what makes us different from others?
Therefore, if we used to look for our own advantages, now let us begin thinking of how others can get theirs. But the most important thing is how God would get advantages from it. To our sight, we might need much effort, but God sees all things and will repay us according to our deeds.
What’s the point of being advantaged yet become a stumbling block, and then we ourselves, and God, as well, are disadvantaged in the end?