See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they? Matthew 6:26 WEB
The sermon on the mount begins in Matthew chapter five. In it, Christ warns against storing up treasures on Earth. Jesus teaches that God rewards action taken in devotion to him but does not reward action taken for the approval of other people. The Lord preached that we can either serve God or the material world but not both. Jesus teaches that we should not worry about clothes or food and gives us this scripture from Matthew 6:26 to convey that we are of much more value to the Father than we sometimes think. Also, Christ wants us to know that the heavenly Father will provide for our needs.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
There is more to life than material wealth and impressing other people. Whether we have a lot of money or don’t, concerning ourselves with material gain puts an obstacle between us and God. Matthew 6:33 teaches, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. KJV” Putting God before material things we have ordered our lives properly. God knows what we need and is able to provide for us. His grace is sufficient for each of us. Our relationship with God is of much more value than anything else.
Trust God to Provide
The example of the birds makes clear that the Lord is a reliable provider. Jesus is describing how well the Father cares for birds that do not have the capabilities we have. Beyond that, Jesus lets us know that we are of much more value to God than the birds. He wants the listener to be aware that worrying about things is fruitless. Further, he wants us to have faith and put God first. Christ is instructing the listener to trust that God will provide for them.
God’s will and what we would choose are not always in alignment. We have our own will and God does too. Serving the Father, we submit to his will and live life in obedience to his word. The Lord’s ways are higher than our own. He knows all things and directs us to work for his purpose, trusting that he will provide for our needs. We are of much more value to God than we might know.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for taking care of my needs. Give me the things I will need to do your will while I trust you with my life. Give me strength and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: You Are There
