Chapter Twelve Thursday, December 9, 2010
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31
This is a long chapter. Fifty-nine verses flow forth to share some profound teachings from the life and ministry of Jesus. Even though the chapter is filled to overflowing, I want to highlight two small verses that carry a really big message.
Luke 12:22 and 32 share a potent word that applies directly to my heart. It may even speak to your life situation. “Do not worry” and “Do not be afraid” are words of instruction and challenge that can be applied directly to our personal journeys.
Have you discovered that there are times when the spiritual journey of faith seems to take us down a road that seems contrary to our human nature? This is one of those places where the instructions of Jesus seem to be the opposite of what we actually do in everyday life. That is where the challenges come into play. Would I be willing to set aside my ability to worry? Is it possible to never be afraid?
I hear it all the time, I am worried about … you name it, we worry about it! Or I hear people saying that they are afraid, intimidated, scared, or uncomfortable with the current conversation. We worry about our families, about money, about an uncertain future. You name it, someone is worried about it right now!
And then there are the times when we find ourselves living in some form of fear. In some ways fear is an extension of the fruitless activity we call worry. The two processes have their roots in the same garden of uncertainty. From that garden we grow anxiety, anger, animosity, and often a healthy crop of antagonism.
While we are planting this unproductive garden, Jesus is speaking about ravens that do not sow or reap. He speaks about the lilies of the field that grow in splendor. And then he draws our attention to the heart of the message in verse 34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
So the focus is really not about worry or fear, it is really about the potential positive spiritual direction of our lives. It is about the treasure of faith in God! As a result the question seems to be, will worry and fear become our ‘treasure,’ or will our faith in God become our wealth?
Lord, make us wise and wealthy with eyes that see your Kingdom!
Note: On Sunday of this week we will be reading Luke chapter 15. It contains three parables about being lost...including the Parable of the Prodigal Son. That will be the focus for our class time and for the Sunday message in worship. Join us, discover, seek God's grace and blessing! See you then!
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