5,6 Apr -- Death and Taxes

The readings for Thurs 5 and Fri 6 April are -- Gen 46:28-48:22; Ps 16:7-11; Pro 3:19-20; Mt 17:14-18:9.

According to the old saying, two things are certain in this world -- death and taxes. Both feature prominently in today's readings from Genesis and Matthew.

In Gen 46:30, Israel (aged 130) tells Joseph he is ready to die. In Gen 47:29,30, Israel (aged 147) sorts out his burial arrangements with Joseph. At the beginning of Gen 48, Israel is much weaker, but manages to summon enough strength to bless Joseph's sons. Then at the end of Gen 48, Israel tells Joseph: "Look! I am about to die." and reminds him of God's covenant promise about the land of Canaan. He doesn't actually die till the next chapter. Likewise, the Egyptians tell Joseph they are on the verge of death, but as a result of the famine (47:15,19). Joseph is able to acquire all their land for Pharaoh and they effectively become tenants. They have to pay a 20% tax, but are thankful (47:25).

In Mt 17:22-23, Jesus tells his disciples that he will soon die. As we saw in our Good Friday service today, he had already told them this (16:21) and would soon tell them again as they approached Jerusalem (20:17-19). After this second prediction, the collectors of the Temple tribute ask Peter whether Jesus is going to pay his tax. Jesus tells Peter that the children of the King are free from the tax, but tells him how to get the money to pay it (miraculously) anyway.

Two things are certain. We need to be prepared for both. So it's wise to ponder how.