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Sunday School Lesson
One of the many difficult lessons that humans must learn is that of trust. To place complete hope and confidence in something or someone that we cannot see becomes a problem. We seem to sense the need to know what is taking place, and prefer to have some kind of personal input into the process. When it becomes necessary for one to trust, we are often selective in the one in which we place this part of our lives. In contrast to trust, humans have a great tendency to worry. The word worry comes into our language from a word root that means "to strangle or to choke" (Webster). When we indulge ourselves in this act, all else in life is pushed aside in order for our minds to dwell on whatever is the subject of this mental exercise, thus choking sensitivity, creativity and common sense. However, the individual can show concern about a matter without its completely filling all thought processes. To show concern is to allow the matter to be part of the mix of life, but not becoming the dominant feature. The disciples of Jesus Christ of Nazareth knew that the religious leaders of that day - Pharisees and Sadducees - were more interested in the externals of religion than they were in the matters of the heart. The trappings of religion - what things looked like on the outside - seemed to be their measure of their relationship with God. Even though this attitude resulted in the hypocrisy - play acting - that Jesus rebuked on many occasions, these individuals seemed to think that God did not see the inside of their hearts nor their personal motives. The master gave warnings to the disciples - and us - relating to the priorities of life. In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16- 19), we are taught that the focus should be toward being rich toward God (Luke 12:21b). It is important to remember that all of the religious leaders of that day were rich, since that was one of the things that allowed them to carry out their elaborate personal rituals of religion. In order for things to be seen in perspective, the savior declared, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for your body, what ye shall put on." Luke 12:22. The explanation is quite simple, but profound. "The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment." Luke 12:23. The master turned the attention of the hearers toward the things of nature. "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them…" Luke 12:24a,b. Then, he made the application quite personal - "how much more are ye better than the fowls?" Luke 12:24c. On a more personal level, the savior addressed the physical being of his hearers. "And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?" Luke 12:25. The personal answer to his next question shows the ridiculous nature of your worries. "If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?" Luke 12:26. Again, the master turned the attention of the hearers to the natural world. "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27. Those who listened to these words were familiar with the glory of the reign of Solomon. They were all pleased to know that this glorious era was part of their national history. Yet the master allowed them to see things on perspective. One method that Jesus used in teaching was question and-answer. However, some of the questions were rhetorical - requiring the answer to remain within the inquiring mind. "If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Luke 12:28. Priorities of life become obvious. The savior wanted his hearers to get it right. "And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind." Luke 12:29. Those who have placed their trust in God, and all of his divine provisions have assurance of his care and concern. "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your father knoweth that he have need of these things." Luke 12:30. The focus of life of those who follow Jesus Christ of Nazareth is singular. "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Luke 12:31. Since we are citizens of the kingdom, we can receive the benefits that belong to those who have come into that relationship (John 6:44). This matter of trust becomes difficult for many people. Jesus knew the heart of mankind. John 2:25. Thus, he addressed this thought in a direct way - "Fear not, little flock: for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32. Romans 14:17. The directive given does not demand that one become a pauper to serve our master. However, our worldly possessions must be used in a divinely prescribed manner. "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." Luke 12:33. This focus of life governs all activity. "For where your treasure is, there will you heart be also." Luke 12:34. The promise of the past has not been amended not deleted. Philippians 4:19.
If you have not allowed Jesus Christ of Nazareth to be the lord of your life, please accept him, today. John 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10; Ephesians 2:8, 9.
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