What Jesus Did! 'What Are You Living For?' — Luke 12:27-32

Friday, August 18, 2023

[Jesus continued his teaching about not worrying:] "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

"And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

— Luke 12:27-32 NLT

Key Thought

What's the bottom line in these words of Jesus? It is this: Don't be afraid to live for the Kingdom as your highest priority and your most pressing concern. God takes care of things much less important than us in a way far finer than we could provide for ourselves. We're more important to God than those things. So let's give the Father the joy of giving us the Kingdom by making it our strongest desire. Let him take care of "all the other stuff" as we pursue the "Kingdom stuff."

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, give me a passion for your Kingdom and your righteousness. Make that passion burn inside me until your Kingdom becomes my highest call. I know that my worries about other things will be driven out by the proper passion for what you long to give me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 6:3-10
  • Philippians 3:13-14
  • Revelation 3:15-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:27-32 NLT — "Look at the lilies and how they grow."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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