Trust God in All Things

Luke 12:22 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. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 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! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 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--you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)

In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples about an emotion we can all understand. It is worry. Three points are made: first, life consists of more than what we will eat or wear; second, it will not add an hour to our life; and third, it is the attitude of pagans. The raven was important in Elijah’s survival during the Great Drought found in 1 Kings 17:1-6. During the reign of King Ahab, there was a drought. During the drought, Elijah hides in a ravine, and God sends a raven daily to supply him with food. The raven is a scavenger and not part of the Israelite diet. God found this bird so valuable that he was used to provide daily food to Elijah. Solomon was King David’s son. Solomon was king over Israel all of his life. He asked God for wisdom to rule justly over the people. God gave him wisdom and riches. Solomon is compared to the beauty of the flowers.

The flowers grow, and birds eat without care regarding tomorrow. The disciples are told the way to salvation and the kingdom of God. Jesus ends the lesson by instructing them to sell whatever is valuable and give the proceeds to the poor. The disciples are to put away anything that will take away their full attention to proclaiming the way to salvation and the Great Commission.

Instead of worrying, pray without ceasing. Follow the example of King Hezekiah when he received a letter from Sennacherib. This can be found in 2 Kings 18 and 19. He took the letter to the temple and prayed over the letter for God to rescue them from Sennacherib. Hezekiah demonstrates that prayer life to be copied. The mind will wander on things that are out of our control. During these times, look toward the Heavens, pray to God, and trust that it is in the Father’s hands.

Bibliography

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.