September 17, 2025 - Luke 11-14

One of the most comforting verses:  “Consider the ravens; they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them.  Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (12:24).  And, “Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (12:29-31).

You know, as comforting as the above words are, Jesus also teaches some hard and unsettling truths.  He pronounces woes against the Pharisees, and all who are hypocrites.  He tells his disciples that they will be dragged before the authorities and questioned and mistreated.  Warnings against laying up treasure on earth rather than heaven.  The division of families because of him.  The cost of discipleship.  Salt that has lost its saltiness.  We should find ourselves often (I don’t do it often enough.) among the teachings of Jesus and asking, “How am I measuring up?”  But, always, there are those promises of his care for us!

Why should I feel discouraged?

Why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart be lonely

And long for heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion?

My constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy—

I sing because I’m free—

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.   -- Civilla D. Martin (1905)