Editors Note: The passage Luke 12: 13–35 was assigned twice, and while there is overlap with the previous devotional, we felt that the dual submissions complimented each other.
Luke 12:24–34
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 them31 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.33Sell 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.
Folly, Fear, Freedom & Faith
Wherever Jesus went he drew great crowds. In this instance, when a man in the crowd asked Jesus for help to gain his share of his family’s inheritance, Jesus took the opportunity to tell a parable and to teach his disciples more about the way of the kingdom.
The man’s question revealed a heart issue common to humankind: Greed. Now before we assume we don’t carry this trait inherited from the fall, let’s consider the definition: An overwhelming urge to have more of something, usually more than you need. Could that describe us?
Wealth, power, and position are associated with success in North America, and as a result we may become accustomed to the ideal of attaining more, buying bigger, storing up for our future, or moving up in the world. We might not recognize when we have given in to greed.
We are also a society that consumes, and we consume so much that we may be unaware of the extent of our own excess. Our wants often far out-weigh actual needs, yet we have learned to strive for more; whether it be our savings, homes, cars, clothes, shoes, makeup, sports—the list could go on.
Like the man in Jesus’ parable, we might be tempted to store up for ourselves without a thought to what God might want us to do with his funds, and without regard for those with whom we could share our surplus. We aim for self-sufficiency and a sense of control. The truth is, we have sought treasure that will perish with us one day. Jesus says it doesn’t follow us to heaven.
This is not the way of the Kingdom. It’s a foolish way to live. True life does not find significance or purpose in the abundance of possessions.
Following this parable, Jesus continued to teach his disciples, who likely had far less than the man in his story. He said, “therefore I tell you don’t worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.” He then gave a beautiful description of how our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the fields, confirming that he is also our provider!
This section of Jesus’ teaching describes people in a very different situation, which might be difficult for some of us to relate to if we don’t worry about where our next meal will come from or if we have adequate clothing. Yet all over the world there are people who work hard to make just a few dollars, barely enough to buy their food for a day, only to do it all again the next day. The phrase, “Give us this day our daily bread,” has very real meaning. And clothing is a need to be met rather than a choice to be made.
No matter the level of need, and despite the contrast in experiences, a similar problem arises: Concern over what one has or does not have, worry over whether there will be enough, and striving to acquire more. Once again, it is a picture of a heart seeking after the wrong things, and it is rooted in fear. Jesus reminded his disciples that worry never helped meet any need. Instead, they were to seek first the Father’s kingdom and leave the rest to God, who would provide for them. The kingdom was to be their top priority.
His word picture of the birds and the flowers speaks of freedom: Freedom from fear over what we cannot control, from stiving, and from the worry that steals our joy. The birds simply live under the care of the Creator who sees and cares for them from his abundance. God dresses bare fields with the most beautiful wildflowers, even though they might only last a day. His thoughtfulness over the simplest parts of his creation is our assurance of how much more he cares for us!
We who have put our faith in Christ have the privilege of calling the God of the universe our Father! He is mighty, majestic, and holy, yet he cares about the smallest details of each of our lives! His love and mercy are unfailing towards us, and his grace and goodness are far beyond what we deserve. He is pleased to give us the Kingdom. So, in simple faith we can live out our days, one by one, confident that the Lord will provide.
Do we believe it? In Philippians Paul writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (4:12-13).
Naturally, we will be prone to worry about getting our needs met, or concerned with storing up wealth for ourselves, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can live differently in this world. As the old song says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
When it comes to finances, we can be led by folly and fear, or by freedom and faith. Wherever we find ourselves will reveal where our treasure lies. When we discover where our treasure lies, we will know whether our hearts are in the right place.
The way of folly seeks to attain and store treasure and possessions for oneself without regard for God or others, and results in an empty eternity. The person following this way of life has closed hands and a heart led by greed and self-interest. King Solomon would describe this as ‘chasing after the wind.’ The way of fear is similar, and it is marked by worry or concern about not having enough. This desire to want to meet our needs first is the natural way of the world, but it takes our eyes off what is truly important.
The way of faith seeks God, his kingdom and the good of others. It is the way of freedom from worry and fear over what we cannot control. It releases us from the constant urge to strive for more and ultimately frees us from greed. With eyes set on Jesus and eternity, this person is open handed with a heart of generosity, contentment, and trust in a good and faithful Father. This is the way that results in true treasure that lasts forever.
So, the question is, are you led by folly and fear, or are you led by freedom and faith?
Remember how much your Father in heaven loves you, his precious child, as one from his beloved flock! What glorious riches you have in Christ Jesus! So don’t fear, the kingdom is yours. Seek it. Keep your eyes set on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, and follow him with all your heart. He will supply all your need. And his kingdom never ends, so be assured, your future is good!
What kind of treasure are you really seeking as you look over your life? Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”
Are you ‘rich’ towards God? What are some examples in your life?
If God has blessed you with surplus, how could you steward it in a way that most helps others or best glorifies God?
If you find yourself worried or fearful about finances, what scriptures could you remind yourself of that tell of the Lord’s promises and his faithfulness?
What are some ways you can intentionally seek God’s kingdom first this week?
Author Bio
Heather Mejia serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at
Heritage Park Alliance Church. She is the mother of 4 adult sons and Oma to 2 granddaughters. She and her husband Eliu are currently in the process of a part-time move to El Salvador (Eliu’s home country).
Email: reception@hpac.org
Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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