Tuesday, 10 January 2023

Matthew 6:25-34 part 1 of 2 - What, me worry?

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As we read these last 10 verses of Matthew 6, we easily see a repeating pattern of thought ... don't worry, God is on the throne. The point is made clear, "Don't worry about your life." And the assurance is, (speaking of the birds) Matthew 6:26b ... your Father in heaven feeds them (birds). Are you not of more value than they?

This is not a license to irresponsibility, but a call to faith-filled living. Remember "Betach?" It's Hebrew for "count on Him." It is a word repeatedly used in the Hebrew Scriptures. Check any US currency. There it is, written for all to see, coins and bills alike, "In God we trust." (Signed into US law on July 11, 1955 by President Eisenhower.)

Rabbi Trail: In Tennessee beside all the automobile specialty and vanity license plates there are two basic options. Everyone is supposed to be given a choice. Would you like a basic tag that says, "In God we trust," or one with that line omitted? Side note: I suspect that many car dealers, when they sell a car and pick up the tag for the customer, forget or intentionally don't bother to offer the customer the option. That was true for me on many occasions. End SN. Since I'm now aware of the difference, I've noticed that only about 25% of the tags I see have "In God we trust" on them. Jan and I proudly have it on both of our cars. The way all those other people (certainly not us) drive, we surely need to trust God to bring us safely home. End RT.

Acknowledging God for His provision (notice the examples are food and clothing) begins with being thankful.

Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! Praise Him, bless His Name.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Messiah Yeshua.

Part of acknowledging God as our heavenly Father is that we trust Him. Remember celebrating Father's Day? How would an earthly father feel if his family didn't trust him? Families break down over a lack of trust. God's family does too. So we are reminded throughout the Scriptures to rely on God. Hebrews 12:1b-2a Let us run with endurance the race set before us, focusing on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith. I have to include this one too ... 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.

So, we close with this reminder ... Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything - but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. For those who do trust in God, there is a great promise in the following verse ... Philippians 4:7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.

Now, who doesn't want that blessing?