Most gossipers who want to authenticate the veracity of their information will declare they got it from 'the horse's mouth'. However, whenever you have a 'fish story', there is a negative response. A fish story implies an exaggeration or a lie. Yet, Jesus used fish throughout His lifetime and even after His resurrection. Do you know that when Jesus sends you to the mouth of a fish, the results are authentic,specific and precise?

Matthew recorded a dramatic fish story in Matthew 17: 24- 27. While in Capernaum, those who received the tribute money asked Peter if the Master paid temple tax. Of course. When Peter entered the house Jesus asked him a question. Do the kings of the earth collect taxes from their own children or from strangers? The simple question evoked the expected response: strangers.

Consider the question and response for a moment. The king has power; and his children receive provision from him. They are covered by the privileges afforded the king! Jesus Christ is the King of all Kings. At His birth Wise Men followed the star, acknowledged His regal status and showered Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Have you ever read in Scripture where Jesus distributed money to the poor and needy? Yet, He instructed a a rich, young ruler to abandon his wealth and follow Him.Why?Jesus had read his heart... and his life. This King Jesus owns the universe; and His children are heirs to His wealth and kingdom.

Although the children of the king are exempted or 'free', Jesus demonstratd diplomacy. He did not want to offend those who collected temple tax. Thus, He provided Peter with concise instructions. A fish would deliver the precise temple tax!

Why did Jesus choose a fish? Peter had harvested fish before he met Jesus. The familiar created comfort! Throughout His ministry,Jesus chose the simple, natural image. Going to the sea, a familiar haunt, fascinated Peter. Jesus used fish to contrast the call to ministry. Instead of a boat,Peter needed only a hook.The bait is the Word of God and the gospel appeal. Inviting Peter to use a net might have flooded him with nostalgia and complicated the experience.. A net full of fish provides a myriad of choices. Jesus focused on one fish.The one who had the answer had to be first. This is true of God. He wants no other gods before Him and nothing to separate mankind from His love.

Only one fish contained the tribute money; and this had to be the first fish Peter caught! Fishing is fun; but it demands patience. Hemingway in The Old Man and the Sea tells of a fisherman who went fishing every day but returned with no catch. The other fishermen regarded the experience as 'bad luck'. But, the old man had faith and patience.

When I was a camp counselor, I supervised campers who chose fishing. The fish took the bread ; the fish took the worm. Thus, those who wanted to snag a sunkist ttrout had to load the hook with a bait containing a secret  'extra'. God provided Peter with the 'extra' when He told him which fish had the money and where to find  it! Now obedience is  key..essential. When God says to give His Words priority, He means it. You see, that fish had a specific mission as the 'money carrier' of the natural world. Yes, the fish was chosen! Most of all, it had a miracle mouth. How many more stories have you heard about people finding money in the mouth of a fish?

There is provision in your mouth! Proverbs reveal that life and death is in the spoken word; and you will receive the fruit that you speak according to the wil of oooo                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . Yes, the coin got in the fish mouth because Jesus spoke it there! Before my sister died, she used to speak whatever she desired for a meal; and somebody brought it. There was no telephone; and often, the neighbours across the street were  not at home. When she felt like eating lobster  seafood platter, she spoke it; and she got it. I lived with her; so I know. After she died, i decided to try it. I told myself that I felt like eating grouper; and i spoke it. Not long afterwards, I met someone who asked me if I ate fish. She had a small grouper and wondered if I wanted it. Did I want grouper? Is a four foot grouper undersized? Small or not, she did not know that I had asked God for a grouper without specifying the size! I was thankful for the fish blessing. A text found on a calendar for the day I was born is Psalm 81:10. God has delivered me from bondage; and I am to open my mouth wide. He has promised to fill it!

 Although there may be countless other lessons that can be gleaned from this fish story, the most prominent one is that Jesus is Master of the supernatural; and He will provide for any and every need from the natural environment. Oysters and conchs make pearls that can be sold for money.. Oil,diamonds, precious minerals and even water for drinking and washing are provided natural. Individuals who are not hooked up to an oxygen tank in a hospital or home and can breathe get the air free! Thank God. Give Him the glory and the praise! God said that the bread he provides for His own is certain and the water is sure. I know. I am a testimony; and it is straight from the fish's mouth!