No Fear

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Scripture:

Luke 12:32   “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observation:

The Lord’s little flock did not need to be afraid. Although they were small and the surrounding enemies seemed far greater, they could trust in the Father. The little flock was to dwell in the kingdom, living as kingdom citizens. Therefore there was no need to concern oneself with the temporal things of this world that could weigh one down. A lifestyle of simplicity would free one up to minister and give to the poor. Purses with eternal treasure don’t wear out and no one can steal from that wallet! That’s why there’s no fear. It’s God’s security system, and when we don’t have to worry about our stuff, then our heart can be focused on the things of God.

Application:

One of the greatest challenges to kingdom living is our stuff. Earthly treasure can become a distraction to kingdom business. We may not feel comfortable admitting it but we have become accustomed to a particular lifestyle which may not always be compatible with kingdom living. Interestingly the issue of student loans for education is a case in point. The majority of a student’s loans today is not for tuition, but for what the industry calls “lifestyle loans.” There is a certain lifestyle with which we are comfortable and so we are willing to go into debt for this practice.

What does this mean for the Christ follower? Too often it means that there is no freedom to do ministry. Where is your heart? It’s having to work to pay off the debt for a particular life-style.

What would happen if we began to simplify our lives and pay off our debts? Maybe that’s today’s interpretation of Jesus’ words. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Maybe we need to downsize our lives, leaning into simplicity, so that we can be generous ministers of the gospel.

It is in living this life of simplicity that suddenly we have no fear. Instead we experience glorious freedom and joy in serving the Lord. Our Father lovingly cares for his dear little flock and it is his “good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” If he provides the kingdom — why should we fear?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the promises that lead us into kingdom life.  Amen.

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