The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but He thwarts the craving of
the wicked. ~Proverbs 10:3
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. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider 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! Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 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, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” ~Luke 12:22-31
I think that Jesus has probably already given the best commentary on this proverb that we will find. It’s interesting that Solomon wrote the Proverb and Jesus mentions Solomon in His commentary. That’s just a little theological fun for those of you who have had your second cup of coffee this morning.
I think that the hard thing for us to deal with, who trust in the Lord, is that often, the Lord tests us, by making us wait, to learn if we really believe this. When things don’t work out the way we think, or hope, or want, that’s when the fretting and worrying crops up. It’s hard for most of us to keep our hands in our laps and trust the driving to God when we see an obstacle coming, a deer maybe, and he’s cutting it a little too close for comfort.
On top of that, it often doesn’t seem like he’s thwarting the plans of those we consider wicked. That makes us worry too. Why doesn’t He just deal with them and be done with it, we wonder, impatiently? It’s so unfair! We so easily question God. Are you really paying attention, God? Are you really in control, Lord? Well, of course He is! But God takes the long view. The ultimate craving of the wicked is: to be like God and take His place. That ain't never gonna happen!
Then, the raven and the lily stand in contrast to our worry. It’s interesting that Jesus chose a raven. I would have preferred a songbird. After all, they trust God too. But, He used the raven, a scavenger that eats…well, you know. It’s not nice to talk about. But isn’t it interesting that even they don’t worry about supply?
It’s God’s economy and God’s provision. We are created beings just like the raven and the lily, but we, not they, have been created in His image. Trust Him. He has it under control. Instead of seeking food or clothing, Jesus asks us to seek the Kingdom of God, the most important thing, and trust our heavenly Father to take care of the little things.
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. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider 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! Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 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, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” ~Luke 12:22-31
I think that Jesus has probably already given the best commentary on this proverb that we will find. It’s interesting that Solomon wrote the Proverb and Jesus mentions Solomon in His commentary. That’s just a little theological fun for those of you who have had your second cup of coffee this morning.
I think that the hard thing for us to deal with, who trust in the Lord, is that often, the Lord tests us, by making us wait, to learn if we really believe this. When things don’t work out the way we think, or hope, or want, that’s when the fretting and worrying crops up. It’s hard for most of us to keep our hands in our laps and trust the driving to God when we see an obstacle coming, a deer maybe, and he’s cutting it a little too close for comfort.
On top of that, it often doesn’t seem like he’s thwarting the plans of those we consider wicked. That makes us worry too. Why doesn’t He just deal with them and be done with it, we wonder, impatiently? It’s so unfair! We so easily question God. Are you really paying attention, God? Are you really in control, Lord? Well, of course He is! But God takes the long view. The ultimate craving of the wicked is: to be like God and take His place. That ain't never gonna happen!
Then, the raven and the lily stand in contrast to our worry. It’s interesting that Jesus chose a raven. I would have preferred a songbird. After all, they trust God too. But, He used the raven, a scavenger that eats…well, you know. It’s not nice to talk about. But isn’t it interesting that even they don’t worry about supply?
It’s God’s economy and God’s provision. We are created beings just like the raven and the lily, but we, not they, have been created in His image. Trust Him. He has it under control. Instead of seeking food or clothing, Jesus asks us to seek the Kingdom of God, the most important thing, and trust our heavenly Father to take care of the little things.
Prayer: Father, I like being your son. And just as a child in a healthy family never worries about his next meal when Father is working to provide, so may I enjoy life as it is, happy as a lark, knowing that You are taking care of everything. And even when there is pain and suffering, to still know that you are there, at work for my good, so that I may be free to comfort others who are with me through the storm. In Jesus' name, amen.
Song: Have No Fear Little Flock
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