Daily Devotion – April 7, 2020 – Jeremy Maahs
Luke 12: 22-34
[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. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
When I was young, my cousin and older sister were looking at me and giggling. When I asked them about it, they said “Don’t worry about it, go back to playing with your toys!” Don’t worry about it!? If it concerns me, of course I’m going to worry about it! I was afraid they didn’t have my best interests in mind.
I’ve never really liked when someone tells me not to worry. My defiant side comes out as I think What do YOU know about me? What gives you the right to tell me what I should or shouldn’t worry about! So, of course, my initial reaction to this bible passage is the same. It almost feels like this is trying to sugarcoat life because “God will provide.” Well what about when God doesn’t provide? What about when people do go without food or clothes? What about when people get sick? I thought it said that God knows what I need!
But this last section helps steer me in the right direction “Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” The reality of the things of this life is that they do wear out. People steal and hurt others. And yet our Father in heaven does care. God DOES have our best interest in mind. I don’t believe that this passage is meant to tell us not to worry because God will make sure that our Netflix will keep working. It seems to be telling us the opposite! Our things will break, our bodies will get sick, our favorite restaurants will close and our retirement accounts will lose money. But do not be afraid. Life is more than what we eat or what we own. God is happy to give us God’s kingdom. Where is your treasure? What have you been valuing?
Father God, forgive me in my selfishness. Help me to value the things you value. Thank you for your unending love and help me to love others. Amen
