Day 299.
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Luke 12:27-34 ESV)
The pursuit of wealth would seem to alleviate worry, but instead it only increases it. The more you pursue it, the more you grow aware of the many ways it can slip away. In the end it does you no good, for you can’t take it with you. Instead, Jesus says, set your life about kingdom work. As he puts it, “seek his kingdom” and trust the Lord to provide for the other things needed. If you need proof that God will provide the consider the way he provides for the lilies. And you are much more valuable than the lily. Jesus instructs, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” This is both a great comfort and a great challenge when you consider how much of your time is spent chasing wealth.
So what does this free you to do? It frees you to let go of your wealth; to be open handed with it because you trust God to provide for you day to day. You can “sell your possessions and give to the needy” as you store up treasures in heaven rather than earth.
Lord, thank you for your gospel and these promises which relieve my anxieties about upcoming expenses, such as college and cars, etc. Give me kingdom minded priorities and pursuits that flow from our church’s mission.
