Tag Archives: Capernaum

The all of me

 

Take All of Me

 

Reading the last chapter of Ecclesiastes is quite a refreshing look to all the valleys and mountaintops the rest of the book takes me through. Yet, I am reminded that I need to understand the importance of the entire book.

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.  My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.[r]  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[s] every secret thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14  ESV

There is a little summary here and also a tiny message that warns that too much study, chasing human wisdom, is limited and transitory and therefore is not sufficient. However, more importantly, is the desire to reverence and obey God for this is giving my all, it is my purpose. This is the struggle through the whole book – for this call of mine, this duty; this purpose is in complete opposition to the things of this world which is called “vanity.” The things of this world will pass, but my relationship with God will endure – and then there is the judgment. My priorities need to be not of this world, but the things of God.

When I look at what Jesus accomplished and He stated that greater works we would do, I know my journey is far from what He has purposed for me. I think about this story in particular and I am amazed of what must have been put in place for this miracle to happen.

 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the 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 kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”  And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.  However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.[g] Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” – Matthew 17:24-27  ESV

First of all, I love the fact that Jesus knew that paying taxes were not really necessary. However, in order that He does not cause offense, Jesus arranges for the money.

This is where the miracle takes place. Look at how much control He has over the situation and how precise this miracle is. The fish yields the exact amount needed to pay the taxes, and it is the first fish that took Peter’s hook or that he pulled from his net. The purpose and pleasure of Christ’s will – which all creation obeys – guided that single fish out of multiple schools in the lake. Jesus, Lord of Creation, controls all things – the sea’s fish and the earth’s silver.

I loved the fact that not only did Jesus pay for Himself, but He also paid for Peter. What a vision of Jesus coming alongside and saying they were in relationship. We may be servants but we are more than that.

There is a need for me to grasp that the greatness in the Kingdom comes from service and humility. Jesus’ phrase, “not to give offense” motivates me to walk in meekness and wisdom as I give all of me to Him.

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Who is the greatest?

 

All Sons & Daughters – Great Are You Lord

 

Muhammad Ali, the colorful 1960 light-heavyweight Olympic boxing champion who went on to hold the world heavyweight title three times, is known to have uttered many a memorable remark during his time in the spotlight. His personal catch phrase “I am the greatest” came to serve as an identifier of the man, in that whoever voiced it, one knew that person was alluding to Ali.

In 1980, just before takeoff on an airplane flight from New York to Los Angeles, the Eastern Airlines stewardess reminded Ali, who was on his way to making a movie, to fasten his seatbelt. “Superman don’t need no seat belt,” replied Ali. “Superman don’t need no airplane either,” retorted the stewardess. 

Reminds me of another story where the disciples are with Jesus and He overhears their discussion about who of them is the greatest. In light of their inability to heal the evil spirit possessed boy, they were hardly in the position to be talking about greatness.  Moreover, they simply did not have enough experience and maturity to really understand what it means to be great in the kingdom of God.  Jesus’ teaching had a lot to teach me about what greatness in the kingdom really means.

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” – Mark 9:33-37  ESV

 

 

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