Luke 12:27-31 (NIV) “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 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, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus gives another example of the worry-free kingdom life: wildflowers. Wildflowers are incredibly ephemeral things, here today and gone tomorrow, their dried remains used as fuel for fires. It would be perfectly understandable if God did not waste much time on making such temporary things beautiful. But they are!
Jesus’ point is that such beauty in the flowers doesn’t result from them fretting and stewing over what they will wear or where they will buy it. It comes from God’s gracious provision. In the same way, God promises to care for His people who simply obey His commands and trust in Him to provide what they need.
Jesus never fretted about what to eat or drink or wear, not even once. And, as a prime illustration of God’s kingdom provision and care, He was never without anything that He truly needed. And He never had to tow trailers full of weeks-worth of belongings and supplies, just in case God forgot about Him. God provided everything that He needed, as He had need of it, on time, and in exactly the right amount.
This is yet another way in which the people of God are to be different from those who are not God’s people. Our lives are to be characterized by trust, provision, and peace of mind. Those of the world have lives that are usually characterized by striving, grasping, and angst, even those with great worldly wealth worrying about how to hang onto it, or how to get still more.
God’s people are to have a single focus in their lives: His kingdom. And, as we live out that focus, God has promised to provide all that we truly need, always on time, and in exactly the right amount.
Father, I have lived on both sides of this issue, striving and worrying in my BC life, and trusting and being provided for in my AD life. And there really is no comparison between the two. Thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your provision, and for always keeping Your promises. Amen.