GOD’S WORD FOR DECEMBER 12

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

ONE WITH THE SOVEREIGN MASTER

(Matthew 17:24-27)

The fear of poverty has plagued every generation.  A chosen few are born into wealth or have the good fortune to accumulate considerable riches, but the rest of mankind lives with the suspicion that they eventually will be abandoned to the fate of hunger and homelessness.  Even Christians wonder whether God can be trusted to meet their needs.

Christ’s disciples had their doubts too. At His command, they abandoned their vocations to wander around the land of Israel, following the steps of their Master.  Some of their relatives and friends must have thought that such dedication to Christ was foolish.  Why would anyone leave a job with a predictable income to live with a man who had no home, few clothes, and virtually no visible means of support?

Time and again the disciples had to relearn an important lesson: 

WHEN GOD CALLS, HE SUPPLIES.

Their responsibility was to follow;  His responsibility was to provide.

Missionaries are not the only ones in the school of faith.  Most of us have been strategically placed in circumstances in which we are forced to believe God.  Faith usually cannot be developed in an environment of ease;  it can only flourish in an environment of hardship.  Faith grows only when great faith is called for.  Sadly, only the desperate believe.

Satan says, “Follow me and you will be rich.”  Christ makes no promises for wealth in this life, but assures us of the glory of the world to come.  Whatever we give up to follow Him will be made up to us tenfold;  He simply will not be out-done.

Peter had to learn this lesson many times.  To be a man of faith, he had to draw from a well of experience.  His qualifications as a future leader would depend on a reservoir of personal testing that would give him credibility.  So the divine Sculptor would continue to shape the emerging from of this important leader.

Here we have one of the most interesting miracles Christ performed.  Though it teaches us Christ’s care for His disciples, it also is a lesson in responsibility and divine partnership.  As is so often the case, Peter is in the middle of it all.

Here is the intriguing story: (which we will discuss tomorrow).

And when they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came 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 the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?”  Upon his saying, “From strangers,”  Jesus said to him, “Consequently the sons are exempt.  But lest we give them offense, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; when you open its  mouth you will find a stater (coin).  Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” (Matthew 17:24-27).

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Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Job 20:2

Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, because of the turmoil within me.

Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 6:12

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 4:2-3

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.  For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”  although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Romans 5:3-5

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.   (Remember, the original word which is translated “hope” doesn’t mean what we think of as hope….the wishy, not sure hope…..but it means a true belief in what is sure to happen.)  

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