Day 107 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 26:1-15; Psalm 97; Luke 12:13-34)
FEAR NOT
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on... And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:22 & 25 ESV)
“The only thing we have to fear is feat itself.” (Franklin Delano Roosevelt 's first inaugural address) While this was meant to be encouraging, we can find much more crucial encouragement in the Bible where the message, DO NOT FEAR, occurs 365 times. Our text is one of those occasions.
“Do not be anxious...” Jesus is telling not to worry about the things of this life because God has everything under His control. And, besides, this life is only temporary.
Did you notice that the verses quoted begin with the word, “therefore?” Whenever you see that word in the Bible, you need to ask yourself what it is there for. The verse prior to verse 22 concludes Jesus’ lesson on NOT making earthly wealth the main thing in a person's life. “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (21)
Our Savior wants us to understand the futility of worry when He reminds us that we can’t add a single hour to our lives. In other words, He wants us to trust Him completely. And since He has taken care of our biggest need by dying on the cross and guaranteeing heaven for us, we can live our lives without fear!
Have no fear little flock;
Have no fear little flock,
For the Father has chosen
To give you the Kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #735)
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your encouragement to not worry. When the fears and woes of this life get me down, remind me that You died so that heaven will be mine. Amen.
Link to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
https://zoom.us/j/177003912
password: 518940
Youtube link to all previously recorded services:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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