Today’s devotion comes from Matthew 17:24-27.
“When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” He *said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” Matthew 17:24-27.
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Jesus and His disciples had every right to claim privileges based on their standing as sons of the kingdom such as being exempt from tax. But Jesus taught and set the example for us that just because they could claim such privileges does not mean that they should claim such privileges. The following Scripture states it well.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:3-7.
And, there is hope and help to do so!
As Jesus performed a miracle, a work of God, in obtaining the tax money, God will give us the will to have such selfless attitude and God will work within us to perform works consistent with such a Godly attitude.
Shortly after the above Scripture, we read: “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 