From today’s reading...
‘However, so that we shall not be the downfall of others, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for yourself.’”
Matthew 17:27
Jesus is the ultimate King.
He understands politics and war, strategy and tactics, negotiation and persuasion.
We see that today in how He picks His battles.
As the Son of the King of Kings, He does not have to pay the temple tax, but He knows His followers—and especially His non-followers—do not understand this, so He makes arrangements to keep the peace and lead others to Him, without giving in. (Similar to how I’ll put a mask halfway on to get into the grocery store so I can feed my family, then take it off once I’m in. But I digress.)
The devil wants you distracted and tired. He does that by giving you a thousand battles to fight.
Ignore them.
Focus on what matters, which is leading yourself and those you know, to Jesus, which means you must...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.