Sermon Devotional: Look at the Birds
Sermon Title: Look at the Birds
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
Worry is the key word in this passage, occurring six times (vv. 25, 27-28, 31, 34 [2x]). Thought and forethought for temporal things (our needs) in the sense of reflection or consideration is required by both Scripture and common sense. And, although Christians must plan, they should not be anxious. It is anxious, perplexing care, springing from unbelieving doubts and misgivings that is condemned. Jesus provides several examples to illustrate this, using food and clothing.
Birds are industrious but dependent on God’s provision. They are “careless in the care of God” (Matthew 6:26, The Message). We have more value in God’s eyes than animals because we are the only creatures made in God’s image. Worry accomplishes nothing, it does not enable a longer life and statistically worry reduces lifespan.
Jesus directs attention to the “lilies of the field” and asks his listeners to learn carefully from them. The uncultivated vegetation does less to provide for itself than birds, yet God adorns it with such splendor that it surpasses the beauty of Israel’s wealthiest king. “Labor” (working in the fields) and “spinning” (sewing clothing at home) broadly encompasses the occupations of people in ancient rural culture. Jesus explains that if God shows such concern over fragile plants in His creation, how much more does he demonstrate his great love for us! R. Mounce states, “Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God.” Fear dominated pagan religions who served capricious and despotic deities who constantly required appeasement. Anxiety was a very real characteristic of the society in which the Israelites lived. Consider Jephthah’s vow to God in Judges 11:30. He misrepresents God, who abhors human sacrifice, and makes a vow to sacrifice the first person that exits his home, if God will indeed provide a victory for his army. The vow extends from the embrace of pagan culture around him. In Matthew 6, Jesus is chiding unbelief in his followers. Jesus does not want us to be unsettled or full of care for things beyond our control. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Today’s scripture in Matthew 6 reaches a climax in verse 33. The two keynotes of the sermon are “Kingdom” and “Righteousness” – God’s ordained framework in the pursuit of which all things needful for the present life will be given us. The “Kingdom of God” is the primary subject of the Sermon on the Mount – the kingdom which the God of heaven is establishing within this fallen world. “Righteousness” is the character of all those described and illustrated in the discourse. “Seeking the Kingdom and God’s Righteousness” is making them our primary choice and pursuit; “first” means before and above all else. “All these things” are the things needed by God’s children – food and clothing. “Will be added” tells the seekers of the kingdom that God will provide these things in their proper portion and in God’s perfect time.
When priorities about heaven and earth are rightly ordered, God provides for our needs. By God’s Spirit, we are enabled to be obedient in seeking the Kingdom, following Jesus’ commands, and sharing the gifts and provisions he has given us within our Christian community. Jesus reminds his listeners that the evil of each day is real. And if we trust God first, he will take care of the rest of life. This makes worry unnecessary.
Consider—
╬ Today is the day you worried about yesterday. Is it so bad? Every day brings its own cares; and to anticipate is only to double them. Reflect on Pastor Brad’s question from last week’s sermon, “Would I live differently if I believed God was completely committed to me?
╬ Where do you think fear and anxiety express themselves in our world today? Are you preoccupied by anxieties and fears? How do these stand in the way of obedience and hinder your relationship with your Creator?
╬ Abba Father, thank you for caring for us. Even when we doubt your provision, you are extending extravagant grace and mercy to us in Christ Jesus by His Spirit. We give you our anxieties and fears. Help us to exchange them with faith and trust in Jesus, our Lord and our Savior. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34
Worry is the key word in this passage, occurring six times (vv. 25, 27-28, 31, 34 [2x]). Thought and forethought for temporal things (our needs) in the sense of reflection or consideration is required by both Scripture and common sense. And, although Christians must plan, they should not be anxious. It is anxious, perplexing care, springing from unbelieving doubts and misgivings that is condemned. Jesus provides several examples to illustrate this, using food and clothing.
Birds are industrious but dependent on God’s provision. They are “careless in the care of God” (Matthew 6:26, The Message). We have more value in God’s eyes than animals because we are the only creatures made in God’s image. Worry accomplishes nothing, it does not enable a longer life and statistically worry reduces lifespan.
Jesus directs attention to the “lilies of the field” and asks his listeners to learn carefully from them. The uncultivated vegetation does less to provide for itself than birds, yet God adorns it with such splendor that it surpasses the beauty of Israel’s wealthiest king. “Labor” (working in the fields) and “spinning” (sewing clothing at home) broadly encompasses the occupations of people in ancient rural culture. Jesus explains that if God shows such concern over fragile plants in His creation, how much more does he demonstrate his great love for us! R. Mounce states, “Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God.” Fear dominated pagan religions who served capricious and despotic deities who constantly required appeasement. Anxiety was a very real characteristic of the society in which the Israelites lived. Consider Jephthah’s vow to God in Judges 11:30. He misrepresents God, who abhors human sacrifice, and makes a vow to sacrifice the first person that exits his home, if God will indeed provide a victory for his army. The vow extends from the embrace of pagan culture around him. In Matthew 6, Jesus is chiding unbelief in his followers. Jesus does not want us to be unsettled or full of care for things beyond our control. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Today’s scripture in Matthew 6 reaches a climax in verse 33. The two keynotes of the sermon are “Kingdom” and “Righteousness” – God’s ordained framework in the pursuit of which all things needful for the present life will be given us. The “Kingdom of God” is the primary subject of the Sermon on the Mount – the kingdom which the God of heaven is establishing within this fallen world. “Righteousness” is the character of all those described and illustrated in the discourse. “Seeking the Kingdom and God’s Righteousness” is making them our primary choice and pursuit; “first” means before and above all else. “All these things” are the things needed by God’s children – food and clothing. “Will be added” tells the seekers of the kingdom that God will provide these things in their proper portion and in God’s perfect time.
When priorities about heaven and earth are rightly ordered, God provides for our needs. By God’s Spirit, we are enabled to be obedient in seeking the Kingdom, following Jesus’ commands, and sharing the gifts and provisions he has given us within our Christian community. Jesus reminds his listeners that the evil of each day is real. And if we trust God first, he will take care of the rest of life. This makes worry unnecessary.
Consider—
╬ Today is the day you worried about yesterday. Is it so bad? Every day brings its own cares; and to anticipate is only to double them. Reflect on Pastor Brad’s question from last week’s sermon, “Would I live differently if I believed God was completely committed to me?
╬ Where do you think fear and anxiety express themselves in our world today? Are you preoccupied by anxieties and fears? How do these stand in the way of obedience and hinder your relationship with your Creator?
╬ Abba Father, thank you for caring for us. Even when we doubt your provision, you are extending extravagant grace and mercy to us in Christ Jesus by His Spirit. We give you our anxieties and fears. Help us to exchange them with faith and trust in Jesus, our Lord and our Savior. Amen.