Provision

Monday 2^nd September

Read Matthew 6:31-33

“So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIVUK)

Jesus’ argument against angst is grounded in remembering who God is and what He has done. Apparently, that is something that we easily forget. Yet it remains a truth central to the biblical message. Food and fashion are foolish things to worry about when we know that God has always and will always provide.

Genesis makes it clear that rather than scurrying around seeking to placate fickle and flighty god with food sacrifices God has provided food for us. “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ³⁰ And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground – everything that has the breath of life in it – I give every green plant for food.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:29-30) (NIVUK). And when shame threatened to overwhelm humanity when they grasped too high and fell, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21) (NIVUK)

Whilst the pagans ran around all concerned with food and fashion (and still do), from the very beginning God knew they were needed and provided them. How can you build ‘remembering’ this truth into your life each day?

‘“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9b-13) (NIVUK)