Are you feeling anxious? We are certainly in a time that can bring on feelings of anxiety. You may be anxious about going out in public, how your loved ones are faring, or how you are going to pay the next bill. What did Jesus have to say about anxiety? We can find the answer to that in Luke chapter 12, beginning in verse 22:

"Then he said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest? Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won't grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Do you remember what Satan first tempted Jesus with after forty days in the wilderness? You guessed it, food. (Luke 4:3) Jesus relays to him the same message that he relayed to the disciples, life is about more than food. Speaking of that, the birds don't worry about food, because God provides that for them. Don't you think that God will provide for you too? Do you not think you are worth more to God than the birds? God cares and provides for His people. Amen! Now, remember that Jesus is speaking directly to people who are impoverished. Food and clothing is legitimately something that these people would worry about. Jesus is encouraging them to trust God to meet their needs. He asks them to consider the wildflowers clothing the grass, which is here today and gone tomorrow. The grass of the field was a common symbol representing the human lifespan in the old testament. "My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass." (Ps 102:11) Jesus encourages the disciples to lean on God for their needs. God knows what you need to survive, He created you after all! Instead of worrying about these things, perhaps you can join in the cause and help your anxious neighbor by sharing in God's love: give them some food, give them some clothes. Encourage one another.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that I can lean on you to meet my needs. I pray that I can encourage my neighbor, even in times that do not cause anxiety. God, you give me peace that passes understanding, and you take away my fears and anxieties. You are so good! May your will be done in my life. Lord, be with your church during this time of separation, even though we may not be able to meet physically, may we be able to communicate through various ways that you have afforded us. May we not drift from You, but grow closer and more dependable on You. In Jesus name I pray,

Amen.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead? ” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’ ? ” And they remembered his words. -- Luke 24:5-8 (CSB)

We serve a risen savior! I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter celebration. I know for my family that it was different, but special. We still worshiped and we still enjoyed family, even though it was all through a digital screen. I pray that we can use this time to grow closer to God, both as a body and a believer.

This week leading up to Easter is referred to as "Holy Week." You can imagine that Jesus had a lot on his mind leading up to His crucifixion. But, did you know that you were on His mind? In fact, He even prayed for you. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for future believers: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me." In the previous verses, Jesus prayed for the disciples that were physically with Him. He knows that through their ministry, that many other believers will be made. You were part of Jesus's plan. Isn't that amazing?