LUKE 12:22-28 DON'T WORRY: TRUST FATHER

DON’T WORRY: TRUST FATHER

LUKE 12:22-28

(See also Matthew 6:26-33)

Luke 12:22-23 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Susan: We are not to worry about what we put in or put on our earth-suits. Life is more than just having the basics of food and clothing.

Susie: Jesus gives an illustration of what He is saying by pointing out the birds nearby.

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Susie: Ravens were thought of like I think of grackles—noisy, worthless, messy birds. Yet God takes care of them. They don’t plant grain to eat, nor do they have places to store up food, but they have enough to eat. God is not saying we need to just sit like baby birds waiting for Him to drop food into our mouths. The ravens have to fly down and get the seeds they eat. They are not idle.

Susan: The point is that even though we need to work to provide for ourselves and our families, we do not need to fret about our basic needs.

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Susan: Our Father is particularly and specifically looking out for His children, insuring they fulfill His divine purposes for them.

Susie: We get so caught up in fretting about meeting our needs (and if we are honest, acquiring our wants) that we forget the enjoyment of all God has already provided and the pleasure of relationship with our Creator. I was not raised with the Westminster Catechism since I was raised in a Baptist church, but I love the first question and answer in it:

WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM as found at http://www.reformed.org

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Susan: God’s job description is to be our Father, our Provider. Our job is to radiate the glory of God by His grace and take pleasure in the Lord eternally.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

Susie: Some translations read “add one hour to his life.” Either way, worrying won’t make us taller and certainly will not help us to live longer!

Susan: I haven’t tried to will or worry myself to be taller than 3’2”. LOL

Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Susie: The Lord created us and gives our bodies the ability to grow. Only He can determine the length of our life. Those are small tasks for our great God. If we can’t do those things for ourselves, why do we worry about all the other concerns we have?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Susan: When I came into this world, physicians said that my life expectance was 24 years, but they did not know or trust in the Great Physician. Look what my Lord and Father has done. Lord willing, I will be 52-years-old my next birthday!

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Susie: Solomon’s splendor was famous around the known world of the time (2 Chronicles 9).

Susan: Wildflowers do not exert self-effort to create their beauty. It is God and God alone who nurtures their splendor.

Susie: God provides the sunlight, rain, and nutrients in the soil to cause the wildflowers of the field to thrive. How much more will He make sure that I more than survive?

Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Susan: The earth and all within it, including mankind, are dying slowly by the process of decay, but God’s word is eternal, everlasting.

Susie: God sustains us for His purposes while we dwell on this earth. We do not need to stress over the provisions for living. When our purposes here are fulfilled, those of us who have trusted in Jesus by the power of God’s word, will be with Him forever.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

1 Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Ponder this and Apply it: Sometimes when the bank account is low and the bills are high, it is difficult to refrain from stressing out. However, we have a heavenly Father who knows our needs before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). If you have a need for food, clothing, or other basic needs, take it to the Lord. Do not be ashamed to allow the body of Christ, the church, to assist you. If you have abundance, ask the Lord to show you with whom you might share. God often uses His people as His middle men in the supply chain. Be open to how He might use you.