Don't Worry, be Holy

This Sunday we will jump back into Luke (and a bit ahead) to a well-known passage in which Jesus exhorts his disciples not to worry. Instead we should trust in God’s care for us and devote ourselves to His kingdom. While I have taught from a parallel passage in Matthew’s gospel, the context in Luke’s account makes Jesus’ teaching all the more powerful. First a man demands that Jesus arbitrate in an inheritance dispute. Then Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who was concerned about financial security but was not rich toward God. Then Jesus turns to His disciples telling them not to worry about material things, but to seek first His kingdom.

Many of us struggle with anxiety concerning health, finances, relationships, politics, church issues, etc. In God’s providence, in this past week, I have faced some significant personal temptations to worry about issues which are coming up in relation to the significant changes taking place in our lives. I found myself preaching this sermon to myself and quoting the verses in my head as I wrestled with the temptation to feel overwhelmed with stress and worry.

I hope that Jesus’ words will encourage you as they have encouraged me.