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.”
(verses 22-24)
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There is a hard edge to the teaching here, especially for those of us in the materialistic West. Jesus’ words push us to loosen the grip of hand and mind on possessions and provisions, to step away from the constant worrying stance of finances and bank accounts, and ultimately to break the power of “stuff” by giving it away. Coming on the heels of the story of the Rich Fool, this teaching pushes our buttons, making us confront our possession-fixation, whether it produces unrelenting anxiety or prideful contentment.
But at base, this teaching involves a bigger issue. It tells us of the tender care of a heavenly Father who never lets us out of his sights. I think back to when my kids were little. Going to the park, invariably one of them would find themselves perched on the Adventure Playground’s platform, way over their heads, wanting to get down. They’d call for my help. What was incredibly high to them was simply arms-reach for me. I’d put out my hands, say, “Jump,” and with joy, they’d do it. Hugs and cuddles all round as I lifted them to the ground, and then they’d be off to the next adventure. What joy.
Oh, that we would continually trust our Father in the same way. Not worrying – rather knowing, without doubt, our immense value in his sight and his infinite ability to care and provide. He loves us. If he cares for birds, how much more for us.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.”
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Father, I affirm that what Jesus says is true – you care for the birds, you will certainly care for me. I get preoccupied so easily with the physical needs of life. I get stressed by money and finances and house-payments and provisions.
Thank you that you know. I choose to look to you, leaning into your provision, ready for you to catch me. And when I forget, remind me of the birds.
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Reflect:
What practical issue of life is weighing on you at the moment? Take a moment to entrust it into the Father’s hands. Remind yourself during the day.
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Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash
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