Today’s devotion is Luke 12:22-32.
“22 And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.
23 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
24 “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!
25 “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?
26 “If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?
27 “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
28 “But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!
29 “And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.
30 “For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.
31 “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:22-32. (Emphasis added.)
Like the prior devotion (titled “Saving Confessions Part 2 – Back to Grace – “The Holy Spirit will …”), the Scripture for today again reminds of God’s grace. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
This Scripture for today, so providentially placed so close after the prior Scripture, brings us back to grace, and it reminds us that yesterday’s lesson of resisting greed is not a work that can obtain salvation. People can misuse yesterday’s Scriptures to promote an extreme strict lifestyle. However, Colossians 2:23 reminds us: “These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”
1 Timothy 4:1-6 also warns us of the danger of promoting an extreme strict lifestyle as a work to obtain salvation. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
Getting back to God’s grace, the Scripture for today shows us that God’s grace extends beyond spiritual salvation. God assures us that He will provide food and clothing that we need for our physical needs. “… your Father knows that you need these things. “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Luke 12:30-31.
God reminds us that His provisions are magnificent. “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!” Luke 12:27-28.
In summary, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
“1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 