If you've been following along with our Bible reading plan, you will have read through the first 13 chapters of Luke by today. (It's not too late if you still want to start. Or you can always just jump in where we are!) In these 13 chapters we've already seen Jesus raise a dead girl and boy back to life, cast demons out of several people, heal many more sick people, preach, calm stormy seas, multiply fish and bread enough to feed a small army, call 12 disciples and then send out 72 (not just 12!) of His followers to spread the good news in his name and authority, allowing them to heal and cast out demons like He has been doing. It's pretty dramatic stuff.
Exciting as it may be, Jesus makes it clear, however, that following Him is not without cost. While eternal life and salvation is a free gift, following Him as Lord means giving up being our own lords and gods. He calls us to give up holding so tightly to our possessions and even relationships and reputations in order to seek His Kingdom and hold tightly to Him instead. If we're honest, we will admit this is not the easiest thing to do.
Jesus asks a lot from us. He tells us to not be afraid of people, but to fear God instead. He tells us that it's foolish to store up possessions and treasures on earth and neglect spiritual, heavenly treasure. He tells us not to deny Him before others or He will deny us before the angels of God. This is serious stuff!
Yes, Jesus asks a lot of us. But trusting Him and doing as He tells us becomes much easier when we believe He loves us and cares for us. In the middle of so many challenging commands, Jesus reminds us we are never forgotten and that the hairs on our heads are numbered - that we are more valuable than the sparrows He lovingly cares for. (Luke 12:6-7)
He says to trust the Father with our needs and not to worry about having enough. Then he says to think - not just about the cute little sparrows, but the ravens and wildflowers, too.
24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life? 26 So if you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! 28 And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you people of little faith! 29 So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things. 30 For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
I was outside feeding my chickens earlier today. Once upon a time they were adorable, teeny, tiny chicks. When they're so cute and fluffy, I love watching them run around, eat, drink, and fall asleep standing up. It's honestly hard to walk away from them! But then they get bigger and grow real feathers and start pecking at us when we try to hold them. I still take care of them, but I don't find myself wanting to sit and watch them just for the joy of it. I like them (and even still talk to them) but I've never counted their feathers and I know I'm not the most attentive caretaker they could have. But I care for them because THEY ARE MINE. And I believe God wants us to know in our hearts and souls that He cares about us and He will care for us much better than I care for my chickens. Always. Because WE ARE HIS.
In Luke 12:32, Jesus calls us His "little flock" and says again not to be afraid. He tells us our Father is WELL PLEASED to give us the kingdom. That's the same kind of pleased He was with Jesus when He was baptized and the Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. (Hey! Another bird!) We don't deserve this kind of care and trust. But if God is going to trust us with His kingdom, the least we can do is trust Him with our little tiny kingdoms. (Chickens, and all.)
I hope you will take some time this week to do some bird-watching. Whether it's chickens or sparrows, crows or hummingbirds, let's let them delight and remind us of how much God loves us and promises to care for our needs.
He loves you so.
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Share together...
Is it hard for you to trust God will care for your needs or those of your loved ones? How does God want you to grow in this area?
If you're reading along in Luke with us, what have you learned or noticed about Jesus that you might not have known or noticed before?
I'd love to know.
Father, thank You for caring for us. Thank You for being willing to tell us over and over and in so many different ways that You can't and won't ever want to walk away from us. Like You promise in Psalm 121, You are always watching and watching over us. You never fall asleep and You never get bored. You are faithful and caring and merciful and forgiving. May the truth about who You are and how You love us lead us to trust You with our lives and all we care about. Because You care for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
This week we're reading Luke 14-20, in case you'd like to read along. Have a wonderful week!
Love Always,
Melissa 🎔
