Monday, August 16, 2010
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."
STOP WORRYING
After Jesus warns the crowds following Him against the sin of greed (Luke 12:13-21), He turns to His disciples in particular and addresses the sin of worry.
The worry Jesus speaks of here is not simply of thought or planning for the future, but the gut-wrenching concern of anxiety. And, yes, it is sin. Whatever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23) and surely anxiety over God's provision for our daily needs is not faith.
Jesus also recognizes that anxiety about daily necessities is an affliction common to sinful human beings, one all too easy to fall into -- and even considered normal by many. Gently but firmly He shows His disciples the folly of such anxiety some five times over. But Jesus doesn't stop there. He then speaks the powerful Gospel Word that enables us to leave anxiety behind. He strengthens our faith by re-centering our hearts and lives in His gracious kingdom-rule through the forgiveness He purchased with His life-blood.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).
