“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom.” – Jesus in Luke 12
People often brought very personal and practical issues to Jesus. In Luke 12:13 a man asks, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” It was on his mind. Dear to his heart. We don’t even know the backstory. Nothing about the dynamics involved. Was it a fair request? Were the motives of all involved blameless?
Jesus chooses to answer this man (and us) with a warning about greed. He makes an amazing statement. Even when we have an abundance of wealth or possessions (or we don’t), this should not be allowed to define us. Jesus goes on to tell the parable of placing confidence in bigger barns, and concludes this way: “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you, and now who will own what you have accumulated for your safety and comfort? This is the crossroads for the man or woman who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Chilling. Bigger barns or my soul?
Fear robs human hearts almost more than anything. Fear and dread. These are most often coupled with anger. The adversary is master of fear and anger. Often we are assailed because of real or perceived equity or fairness. When I see anger in myself or others I have learned to look beneath the anger to what is deeper. It is almost always fear.
Then Jesus reveals several remarkable things in 22-31. The lilies. Ravens. Food and clothing. Anxiety over Providence. He encourages us to live by faith and to not worry (verses 28,29). If we pursue the Father’s Kingdom above all else, all else is secondary. Providence is a sure thing. The Kingdom provides everything.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom.” Jesus then moves to exhort us about being ready. The Kingdom is coming, and our food, clothing, and shelter needs will be met. Completely.
Think with me for a moment about the words little flock. A limited set. A special company. Out of all humanity, a special place in the heart of Jesus. Do you feel you are a part of His little flock? We do. It does not mean we will live a pain-free life -Jesus didn’t. We will surely encounter major obstacles in our lives – Jesus did. But through it all we must remember that our Father has gladly given the Kingdom to us.
All He asks is that we would choose a Kingdom life that honors Him. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well.” And to be ready. “You too, be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at a time you cannot predict.”
Selah!
Good counsel for His little flock.
Dave & Burnadette