9/17/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
A time of plague and pestilence is naturally a time that will provoke at least some level of anxiety. In the early Spring of 2020 I, along with millions of others, faced a genuine question. When there were runs on grocery stores and all other sorts of retail outlets, we did have to ask what we would eat, what we would drink, what kind of clothing would be available. In fact, as I write this in September of 2020, knowing that some of my country’s textile manufacturing was interrupted and some has turned quickly to making face coverings, I have some small question whether I will be able to replace some pieces of clothing this year. It might be delayed.
What does Jesus say about our anxiety in Matthew 6:24-34? He says we shouldn’t be anxious about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Excellent! This is a command from our Savior! What’s even better is that he gives a reason. God cares for the things of our world, including birds and flowers. He certainly cares for us. As long as the flowers don’t have to worry about what their blooms will look like, we don’t have to worry either. God cares for us more than he does for them.
With this in mind, we do need to be aware that people, Christians and non-Christians alike, have suffered from want over the generations. Some have starved. Some have been without basic necessities, such as clothing. There is certainly privation in this world. Times of drought have taken away the wild flowers, along with some of the people, in different places and at different times.
What is the good news, then? Jesus tells his disciples to seek His kingdom and His righteousness and we will see his hand of provision. This doesn’t necessarily mean we will not run into hardship and even death. But it does mean that our Lord, who has cared for us, will always continue to deliver forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe on Him. There’s no need to fear. God in Christ has taken care of our needs.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
A time of plague and pestilence is naturally a time that will provoke at least some level of anxiety. In the early Spring of 2020 I, along with millions of others, faced a genuine question. When there were runs on grocery stores and all other sorts of retail outlets, we did have to ask what we would eat, what we would drink, what kind of clothing would be available. In fact, as I write this in September of 2020, knowing that some of my country’s textile manufacturing was interrupted and some has turned quickly to making face coverings, I have some small question whether I will be able to replace some pieces of clothing this year. It might be delayed.
What does Jesus say about our anxiety in Matthew 6:24-34? He says we shouldn’t be anxious about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Excellent! This is a command from our Savior! What’s even better is that he gives a reason. God cares for the things of our world, including birds and flowers. He certainly cares for us. As long as the flowers don’t have to worry about what their blooms will look like, we don’t have to worry either. God cares for us more than he does for them.
With this in mind, we do need to be aware that people, Christians and non-Christians alike, have suffered from want over the generations. Some have starved. Some have been without basic necessities, such as clothing. There is certainly privation in this world. Times of drought have taken away the wild flowers, along with some of the people, in different places and at different times.
What is the good news, then? Jesus tells his disciples to seek His kingdom and His righteousness and we will see his hand of provision. This doesn’t necessarily mean we will not run into hardship and even death. But it does mean that our Lord, who has cared for us, will always continue to deliver forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe on Him. There’s no need to fear. God in Christ has taken care of our needs.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
RSS Feed