Breathing Free Air

Jesus taught us, saying: “Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:29-31

So a crowd of many thousands had gathered, to the point that they were trampling one another.  This was an audience that was looking for something.  And what they got was someone who said that they didn’t need to be afraid, they didn’t need to worry about what to eat or drink or wear, or what to say. God has your back. 

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I think that our treasure is not just our stuff, but our attention.  That’s how these ideas fit together.  This is another facet of “taking control of every thought so you can pray.”  This doesn’t necessarily mean we just have to chomp down on a crust of dry bread every single meal, but it does mean that we need to step outside of the box that that the pagan, re: godless, propaganda folks try to frame around us so that they can grow rich off of our fears.  Step into the free air and breathe deeply. 

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” 

 The point Jesus wanted to make, as he spoke to the harried and hurting crowd, is that in our desire to be wise- to plan and purchase and prepare- we have become foolish.  So much of what takes up our life is of no value and indeed is a huge weight that ends up sinking us.  ”Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Dear LORD, Fill me with your peace.  Let me rejoice.  I say it again rejoice.  Let everyone see that I am kind and considerate in all that I do.  Let me not worry about anything.  Rather, I will pray about everything.  If I do this, You promise that I will experience Your peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.