Luke 12:22-31 New Living Translation
As God’s ambassadors in this world, we are expected to be responsible Image-bearers with work and rest. According to the Word of God, work has been designed by God for people and we are to work as if we are working for God; this is righteous because it reveals a love and respect for God’s plan. Rest is also a part of God’s plan for people; God never designed us to be workaholics. In his teaching Jesus says, “Come to me those of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28). When all we do is work and never rest, we are not trusting in God’s provision nor living dependent upon Christ. Actually, greed can motivate excessive work without rest.
In our passage today, the Lord has just finished teaching about the greedy fool (Luke 12:12-21). Now, the Lord turns to teach about how worry and anxiety can creep in and rob God’s people of trust. If we truly believe God is love and his unfailing love is directed toward us, then we must use our faith to believe God will provide the things we need. He may not provide all the things we want, but maybe the things we want sometimes is not going to be feeding good things in us. Things like greed. If we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, we have the perfect Source at the center of our beings. His focus is the eternal Kingdom and when we make our focus the Kingdom, he has promised to provide for us. So, I pray for you to put work and rest into a proper perspective as you look through the Kingdom lens of God’s love. He will always care for you.
Luke 12:22-31Teaching about Money and Possessions
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Prayer: Lord, both my work and rest need to bow to your Lordship. Continue to help me bring balance to my part and trust you for everything else. In Jesus’ name. Amen.