Luke 12:22-34 (NIV)

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Reflection:

Every seventh year the Israelites observed a sabbath year, a year of rest where they were instructed not to sow in their fields. But how would the Israelites survive during a year of no planting and harvesting? The blessing of living in God’s care is that he always provides. In Leviticus 25, he assures the people that he will always bless and provide more than enough. It is this assurance that allows the people to freely live the sabbath year. Jesus echoes this abundant care in today’s passage. We see that the birds of the air and the grass of the fields, though they do not sow or reap, are richly provided for. As people who now live under God’s kingdom care, we can also live freely. This freedom is not a freedom from our responsibilities, rather it is a call to fully live for God’s kingdom, believing that God will take care of every need.

Response:

Perhaps like the Israelites in the OT we are afraid to follow God’s instructions, fearful that it will lead to our ruin. Perhaps like Jesus’ audience in Luke 22, we are worried to live fully for his kingdom. Today, what areas of our lives are doubtful of God’s wonderful provision and care? What parts of our hearts are still worried and fearful? Today, Jesus’ assurance is “Do not be afraid, little flock.” (v.32)

As people who now live under God’s kingdom care, let’s pray for a freeing of our hearts from worry so that we can live fully for Him. Our heavenly father knows what we need.