April 29, 2020 –
A square has four sides, and many people believe creativity and imagination lie outside the square. Inside the square is where we do things the way we have always done them; as a result, we get the same results we always got.
Outside the square, in the land of creativity, is where miracles and wonder happen. Wonder is the area where 1 + 1 not only equals 2, but it can also be 11. In this miracle zone, we understand that five fish and four loaves of bread 5,000 people; the water became wine, the lame walk, and the blind see.
Jesus illustrates this creative world when He gives directions to Peter to pay their Temple tax. The story is in the seventh chapter of Matthew. The temple tax collectors asked Peter did Jesus pay the tax. Peter said to them, “Yes.” Then Peter went to Jesus to verify his answer.
In Matthew’s account, Jesus confirmed Peter’s answer and gave Peter directions:
“Go down to the lake and throw in your hook. Take the first fish that bites, open his mouth, and you’ll find a coin. Take that and give it to them for both of us.” (Matthew 17:27 J.B. Philips NT)
This miracle shows that God can supply whatever resources are required. It also illustrates that He asks us to take part. Peter was to take the first fish he caught, open its mouth, and you will find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for the tax.
St. Paul has this principle in mind when he writes, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)