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In Crisis but Not ConsumedSample

In Crisis but Not Consumed

DAY 5 OF 5

Day 5: Seek

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

In Matthew 6:25, Jesus issued a commandment that, at first glance, seems nearly impossible to keep: “Do not worry.” And He didn’t just mean not to sweat the small stuff; he went on to say not to worry about “what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Can you imagine His audience, wide-eyed before their controversial Galilean rabbi, grappling with this radical instruction to not worry, even about basic, life-sustaining provisions?

Friend, Jesus was not expecting or asking that we don’t have moments of angst, concern, or even fear. The circumstances in Southern California have understandably unleashed emotions of every sort. Nor was Jesus, with flippant disregard, dismissing the enormity of crushing loss and pain or the dire need for sustenance and shelter—all so distinctly experienced during times of crisis.

Jesus was challenging His audience, as He challenges you, to shift focus away from worry and onto Kingdom work, in spite of difficult feelings. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” He said, “and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Seek first the Kingdom. This word of direction is not to supply followers of Jesus with a well-intended distraction or to require them to forgo their pursuit of necessary provisions—we should be responsible, and noble work honors the Lord! Instead, Jesus urges us to not be consumed by our concerns for the future, lest they maintain a permanent residence on the thrones of our hearts. Like “the birds of the air” (verse 26) and “the flowers of the field,” the Lord’s desire is that you, His beloved child, would be free of the burdens of tomorrow. And so, put first the Kingdom and righteousness of God. In doing so, you’ll wade deeper into a trusting, life-giving relationship with the One who tenderly holds the world, and you, in His hands. He alone knows and can meet your every need.

Reflect:

  • Do you have a tendency to find security in earthly treasures rather than heavenly treasures? Why or why not? Read Matthew 10:42, 1 Corinthians 15:58, and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. How do these verses comfort you in the face of the loss brought on by the fires?
  • Read Galatians 5:22-23. What attitudes produce eternal fruit in our lives?

Respond:

  • Read Acts 2:42-47, which reveals the habits faithfully practiced by members of the early Church as they sought the Kingdom and righteousness of God. In the aftermath of the recent fires, commit to doing each of the below this week. Write specific details, including a time and place, for how you will exercise each of these habits. Consider and write down the names of the people with whom you can do these exercises.
    • Studying God’s Word
    • Fellowshipping
    • Breaking Bread with Other Believers
    • Praying
Day 4