"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you can't do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12: 25 - 26
These are words Jesus spoke to his disciples. Yes, even the disciples who walked with Jesus became upset and felt stress and worry. No wonder we do! At present, the Corona virus, Covid 19, has caused much concern throughout the world. I don't know about other countries, but here in the United States, the press, our ever present media, likes to keep attention on stressful situations. Their reporting isn't always truthful, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes because of a political or personal agenda. Sometimes it's best to hit the 'off' button.
One thing we know for sure, we will all die someday. When you look at a grave stone you will see a birth date and a death date; the space between is our life. In the book of Job, oldest book of the Bible, we read...
"Man born of women is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. Job 14: 1 - 2
Job also writes in 12:10, speaking of God, "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
"Man's days are determined; you (the Lord) have decreed the number of his months and set limits he cannot exceed."
Job 14:5
Job clearly states that God has set our boundaries. Knowing this does not mean that we live irresponsible, reckless lives. The days we have here on earth are much better if we stay healthy and make good choices.
In the book of Proverbs we see that Solomon, son of David, king of Israel wrote..."The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:33
I take comfort in this verse and am so glad that God is constantly directing my decisions.
Back to Luke - the Old Testament and the New Testament complement each other. Jesus wants to have his disciples understand that worry for our well-being isn't productive, it just makes us unhappy. He points to the fact that the Ravens do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet the Lord feeds them. Aren't we more valuable to God than the birds? Jesus also points out the lilies of the field and not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies how much more will He take care of us Jesus asks. "Oh you of little faith" Jesus says, don't behave like the pagans (unbelievers) for your Father knows what you need. And then he says this...
"But seek his kingdom first..." Luke 12:31
Once we've been born into the family of God and received the Holy Spirit, our fear and worry should vanish. We now have the Lord of the universe looking after us. The Lord never said that there wouldn't be pain in our lives here on earth, but He did say that no matter how it looks to us, He is working all things together for good - Romans 8:28. Cling to this truth, life will be easier.
Soon we Christians will focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus. We call it Easter. Most of us won't have a church service to attend, unless it's on-line, and we probably won't be gathering with many people, but we do have the Bible, God's Word. You may want to read the Easter story in the gospels, each author records it a bit differently. I hope this will make you feel loved and at peace knowing what Jesus did for you on the cross is the essence of Christianity.
Thank you Father for your son Jesus Christ who paid the price for our sins and by believing in Him, we never need to fear death.
