Luke 12:22-34 (NRSV)
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Verse 22He said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Verse 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Verse 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Verse 25And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Verse 26If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Verse 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Verse 28But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you-you of little faith! Verse 29And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. Verse 30For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Verse 31Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Verse 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Verse 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Verse 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Devotion
“‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’ To whom? To you unworthy ones, who are His little flock. Therefore if I am little and the thing that is being given to me is great…I must think that the One who is giving it to me is also great…If He is offering it and wants to give it, I do not consider my own sin and unworthiness. No, I consider the fatherly will that He who is giving it has toward me.” (Luther’s Works 26, 214)
Prayer
Lord, we thank you that in Christ you give us the greatest gift. Sustain in us the faith that grasps your promise to us. Amen.