Scripture Union Encounter With God 21st October 2020 Today Devotional
TODAY’S TOPIC: THE DIRECTED LIFE
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring about our basic necessities.
READ LUKE 12:22–34
Do Not Worry
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.
Today Scripture Union Encounter With God 21st October 2020
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.
Footnotes
a Luke 12:25 Or single cubit to your height
New International Version (NIV)
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Meditate: Scripture Union Encounter With God 21st October 2020
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalms 24:1)
Think Further: This passage follows from yesterday’s but carries a different kind of challenge. Now the focus is not on greed but on anxiety. Logic suggests that those who resolve to find their security in God rather than possessions launch onto an ocean of costly uncertainty. The disciples who have committed to following Jesus in the itinerant life are certainly, like him, placing their lives and day-to-day provision in the hands of God. We can imagine the anxiety over basic needs would be a problem. Reassuringly, we are told, “your Father knows that you need them” (30).
“Don’t worry, be happy” is an easy slogan designed to infuriate. Those of us who are inclined to worry find that it is not necessarily a matter of will. Anxiety presses in upon us and gnaws away. We can be our own worst enemies. Jesus suggests that by reflecting (“considering,” see verses 24, 27), we are able to put anxiety to rest. By having our priorities settled (31), we can rest assured that all our needs will be provided.
Jesus paints a marvelous picture of divine benevolence, not by referring to God’s work of redemption begun in Israel, but rather to creation. This is an example of what is known as “natural theology.” By observing creation, we can detect signs of God’s provision, compassion, and kindness. By being sensitive to flora and fauna, we can learn of God and draw conclusions about divine goodness.
And beyond nature is a God whom we can trust – a God who gives us the kingdom as well as the creation (32). This helps us to overcome anxiety and inspires us to live generously and more freely. It also motivates us to care more about the growth of the kingdom than that of our stock portfolio.
Apply “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Closing Prayer: Lord, truly our treasure is where our heart is, and our heart is for the growth of Your kingdom.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Jeremiah 36, 37; Psalm 119: 49-72
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