Matthew 6:31-34
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Before you begin this meditation, look back over Matthew 6:19-30 and try to recall how Jesus has been speaking to you over the past several days. Then read Matthew 6:31-34.
“So don’t worry…” This can seem like an impossible directive from Jesus, and it is if all Jesus means is that his followers need to control their impulses. But again, the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount goes beyond behavior – it delves to the depths of the heart of a person exposing their greatest fears and deepest needs.
And that is the place where faith is born. When we realize our desperate need for God and discover that God knows our needs better than we know them ourselves, and when we truly believe that God loves us and cares for us, we can lay down our fear of scarcity and be at peace knowing that God is good, God is all-powerful, and God will redeem even difficult circumstances.
Take a moment to meditate on the goodness of God. Go back and remember instances where God has provided in a time of need or used a difficult circumstance for good in your life.
What do you want to say to God right now?
Read Matthew 6:31-34 again paying special attention to the last two statements Jesus makes and noting that “righteousness” is a synonym for “justice.”
The Kingdom of God is the realm where shalom reigns. In God’s Kingdom dream for the world, everyone has enough because God supplies all that is needed, and everyone shares in the bountiful gifts of God. In the God’s Kingdom there is no injustice. Good things are not hoarded by a privileged few because everyone is fully present and lives life to the full - in real-time. No one is concerned about the needs of tomorrow because everyone trusts fully in God’s provision for each day.
As followers of Jesus, we are his agents called to spread shalom to the world.
For the last few moments of this time of meditation, contemplate the words of the Old Testament prophet Micah:
“… O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
Read these words over slowly several times noting any thoughts that arise.
What might Jesus be calling you to do in response to his teaching today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
