Provision and Obedience

Did you notice our record attendance on Sunday?  I think we must have had a record attendance of geese off the back parking lot and in the field. Beth snapped a picture with her phone just before Sunday School.

When I think about how birds know when to migrate, where to find food, how geese fly in the V formation so that the weaker ones have an advantage within the formation, I think about Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (vs. 29-31)

It is a precious promise that God knows the number of hairs on our head.  He provides perfectly for the birds of the air by giving them the proper instincts and the physical characteristics they need to survive. And He has promised to be our Provider and Sustainer far more than He cares for these birds.

But I think we should take note of the context in which Jesus is speaking here.  He is just sending His disciples out to reach the Jews, the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” and He is warning them that it will not be an easy assignment.  First of all He instructs them not to take an extra tunic or sandals or a bag of food for their journey. They were to find a place to stay in each town where they would receive lodging, food and necessities. And Jesus warned them that they may not find such a place in some towns, meaning they have to travel on without food or rest.  He warns them that they will be persecuted and “hated by all for my name’s sake.” 

It is in this context that He tells the disciples to not be afraid, to “not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”  It is as He is sending them on a long and hard journey without even a change of clothes or shoes that He gives the promise that even more than He cares for the birds of the air, the Father will care for them and will be their provision. 

Unfortunately I think we are eager to claim the promise of His provision, but are entirely unwilling to be obedient to His call to lay aside our ‘stuff’ and follow Him completely in the building of His kingdom in 2012.  We want to expect that He will provide everything we need, but we are unwilling to inconvenience ourselves to live for Him, to step out of our comfort zones and take the message of His love to our community.

I think it is worth considering, as we launch into this new year, if we are taking advantage of His promises but falling way short in our obedience and our commitment to live each moment of our lives in submission to His perfect will. My prayer is that we will begin to devote ourselves to obedience and a moment-by-moment walk with Christ this year.