#82 Luke 12:27-31 Do Not Worry – Your Father Knows Your Need

Joy:
Episode #82 Luke 12:22-31

Welcome

Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.

Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin.

Amy:
Amid a world of many words, this podcast makes room for the God-breathed Words, the best words, the ones that rightly convict, correct, teach, and lead us. Each week we read one passage from the Bible several times and create stillness after each reading so we might also be still, listen, and know God more for ourselves.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Amy:
Before I read today’s passage, take a minute to pour out your heart to God. Maybe you have a list of questions for which you need answers or a heart filled with hope, grief, gratitude, bitterness, joy, worry, or a mix of all these things and more. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to God in the next minute.

[Pause and pour out your heart to God]

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
I’m going to read today’s passage two times. As I read, consider the question, what does this tell us about God?

Luke 12:27-31 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.”

Again?

Luke 12:27-31 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.”

Take a minute to be still and know what this says about God.

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider a different question. What does this tell us about people?

Luke 12:27-31 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.”

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?

Luke 12:27-31 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.”

Take the next minute to ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may you turn your face toward Jesus today and know his love.

One Response

Amy:
On first pass, the phrase stood out to me. “the pagan world runs after these things.” It can be exhausting to run after something, don’t you think?

Jesus said, “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink.” To set your heart on a thing means to want it so so much that you are determined to get it. And so, that thing that upon which you set your heart upon, compels you, directs you, leads you. That thing that your heart is set upon drives you, demands the attention of your eyes, demands the attention of your mind.

When I think of it this way, I see we divide ourselves, break ourselves, separate ourselves from our very heart. For when we set our hearts upon a thing, they are no longer inside us as they should be. 

I’m reminded of Colossians 3:1 studied in episode 5, which says “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

I’m reminded of Episode 40, when the Christ of heart went out to the mourning mother, and his body followed his heart straight to her.

God’s heart is set upon you. You are the apple of his eye.

Closing

Amy:
Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christyou are one in whom he dwells and delightsa dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.

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