The Father Knows What We Need

Don't be greedy - Be generous! Don't be anxious - Receive your inheritance from the Father! These commands are the essence of what Jesus teaches in Luke 12:13-34. As one writer puts it, 'Greed can never get enough, worry is afraid it may not have enough.' Both consist of a lack of trust in God, as well as an ill-perceived sense of control in our destiny. It is God alone in whom we depend for life and all things. He knows our daily needs and he is a generous and gracious giver, so we need not be anxious about these things, nor greedy for abundant possessions, instead we are to seek his kingdom. These commands from Jesus come, not with sheer force or demand, but with a promise, and with the faithful character of our heavenly Father as the basis for our obedience and our assurance. We need not fear, for it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the very kingdom we are to seek.