Slices
Prepare
Look around, especially in the natural world, and wonder what can be learned about God’s provision through looking at plants and animals. Consider the lilies, consider the ravens and consider what they tell us about our Father in heaven.
Bible passage
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? 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 labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour 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.
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.
Explore
In recent years, mindfulness has become a popular therapeutic method in cases where anxiety and fear dominate. Drawing from the deep wells of eastern spirituality, emphasis is placed on finding peace through living in the present and not fast-forwarding into an unknowable future. Whether or not Jesus would have sympathised with this approach, he would have wanted an even more radical response.
Following on from yesterday’s reading, we are faced with the power that possessions and scarcity wield over us. Jesus uses the word worry four times in seven verses. Money makes us worry like nothing else. Whereas mindfulness helps us to focus on now instead of then, Jesus invites us to a life of trust.
Our Father knows all our needs. But here’s the radical twist: our vision needs to settle on the kingdom brought in by Jesus and all the rest will be taken care of.
Respond
Anxiety and fear are painful issues, whatever their root cause. All of us are prey to fear in one form or another, so we come before our Father in heaven who knows us and loves us.
Deeper Bible study
‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.’1
This passage follows from yesterday’s but with 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 are launching out on to an ocean of costly uncertainty. The disciples who had committed to following Jesus in the itinerant life were certainly, like him, placing their lives and day-to-day provision in the hands of God. We can imagine that anxiety about the meeting of basic needs would be a problem. Reassuringly, we are told, ‘your Father knows that you need them’ (v 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, on the whole, 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 vs 24,27) we are able to put anxiety to rest. By having our priorities settled (v 31) we can rest assured that all our needs will be provided.
Jesus paints a marvellous picture of divine benevolence, not by referring to God’s work of redemption begun in Israel but by pointing 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 (v 32). This helps us to overcome anxiety and inspires us to live generously and riskily. It motivates us to care more about the growth of the kingdom than that of our shares portfolio.
‘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.’2
1 Ps 24:1 2 1 Pet 5:6,7
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 63,64; Hebrews 13
Pray for Scripture Union
Many churches will be planning Light Parties. Pray for all involved, that God will guide them to make the most of the opportunity to share the Light of Jesus this Halloween.
