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[a]? 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. Luke 12:22-32 NIV
I love verse 32. There is so much good news packed into this little verse.
Do not be afraid – In the teaching preceding verse 32 Jesus is instructing his disciples (so us) not to worry by showing how he provides for things far less valuable than us. Then He sums the lesson up by instructing them not to be afraid, because He knows that fear is the engine of worry. Finally he makes a promise; seek his kingdom and what you need will be given to you.
Little flock – There are many sermons/illustrations by people more knowledgeable than me on how sheep exemplify man by being dumb, helpless creatures. This may be spot on, however this feels different to me. It seems like a term of endearment to me, and terms of endearment belong to people you love or who love you. Therefore, this is Jesus getting intimate with us – maybe so he can tell us something about his love for us. I do this with my wife too – “Hey Love, I love you.” (Term of endearment, message I want loved one to hear)
Your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom – Just on surface this is already really good news: God has given us the kingdom. The part that is amazing, the part that makes me feel so loved is that He was pleased to do it. It wasn’t begrudgingly given, nor flippantly given. It was given because God was happy to give us something good. A good gift from a good Father.
Prayer
Thank you Lord that we are not just some forgotten, unattended to creation, but that you pursue us and seek us out in your love for us and then show your love for us. You rock. I love you. Amen
"NOT WITH INK" 