“But seek his
kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:31).
Jesus watched His disciples grow: leaving everything
behind (family, plans, and dreams); following Him day by day. He watched them
depart for ministry, tasked to heal and proclaim God’s kingdom.
He watched them returning from ministry, rejoicing
that even the demons were subject to them. He watched His little flock.
Indeed, His flock was little in numbers…little in
faith (Luke 12:28). He could see their fragility.
They were in the world…but not of this world (John
17:11-14).
What made them different?
Well, they were a special bunch of people: given to
Jesus by God (John 17:6)…they were special because God was their father – their
heavenly Father. Here Jesus uses the expression, “your Father” (Luke 12:30).
What makes Christians any different today? They (we)
have God as our Father – the heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9); (Romans 8:15).
Our Scripture today speaks to Jesus’ little
flock…that is to us too.
How does Jesus encourage His “little
flock”?
-Don’t neglect your context/surroundings/environment.
-Don’t set your heart on earthly things…compare to
Ecclesiastes 2:3-8.
-Don’t run after perishable things: possessions,
power, abundance, etc. – see Rich man’s parable
-Don’t be afraid of “not having”: God, your Father
had gifted you His kingdom (Luke 12:32).
Seeking God’s kingdom doesn’t mean struggling to get
in…or worrying how to get in. Getting in is the “easy” part…it takes a
single move of the Holy Spirit.
Seeking God’s kingdom means enjoying (living out) the blessings of God’s kingdom on daily basis.