Thursday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 12:29-34
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
12:29 Do not seek does not mean that people should neglect to work and support themselves (cf. 1 Thess. 4:11–12), but is a warning against worrying and continually seeking after what … to eat and what … to drink. Cf. Luke 12:31 for what should be sought after.
12:33–34 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy is a strong emphasis in Luke. Moneybags that do not grow old is a metaphor for the place where one stores one’s treasures. Because the believer’s treasures are stored in heaven, the believer’s “moneybag” (the heavenly storehouse of his treasure) will never wear out, will not fail, and is safe from being stolen by thieves and destroyed by moths (cf. Matt. 6:19–21). In contrast to the world’s preoccupation with possessions, the disciples are to be characterized by exceedingly great generosity, especially in giving to those in need (lit., “to give alms”). This even has eternal implications—for, as Jesus solemnly warns, where your treasure is (whether on earth or in heaven,) there will your heart be also. This concluding proverb (Luke 12:34) emphasizes the importance of the disposition of one’s heart, which throughout Scripture represents the center of one’s being and one’s deepest desires, including one’s reason, convictions, emotions, and will. The nature of one’s heart is reflected in the things that one values most.
12:33–34 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy is a strong emphasis in Luke. Moneybags that do not grow old is a metaphor for the place where one stores one’s treasures. Because the believer’s treasures are stored in heaven, the believer’s “moneybag” (the heavenly storehouse of his treasure) will never wear out, will not fail, and is safe from being stolen by thieves and destroyed by moths (cf. Matt. 6:19–21). In contrast to the world’s preoccupation with possessions, the disciples are to be characterized by exceedingly great generosity, especially in giving to those in need (lit., “to give alms”). This even has eternal implications—for, as Jesus solemnly warns, where your treasure is (whether on earth or in heaven,) there will your heart be also. This concluding proverb (Luke 12:34) emphasizes the importance of the disposition of one’s heart, which throughout Scripture represents the center of one’s being and one’s deepest desires, including one’s reason, convictions, emotions, and will. The nature of one’s heart is reflected in the things that one values most.
Study Questions:
- The second point from Sunday was "BEING rich is ETERNAL." Jesus is trying to set us free from the lie of consuming and achieving. We must all embrace the truth that meaning and purpose in this life is only found in BEING rich in our relationship with God. Life is not found self-actualization, self-realization, advancement or worldly pleasures. So if we want to truly be rich, we must steward our money and stuff and time for THE Kingdom instead of OUR kingdom. Can you say this is true of you? Do adjustments need to be made?
- You might remember Paul talking about being content. He said that he had discovered the key to being content, no matter the circumstances. Whether he had a lot or a little, he was ok. This is a sign of a heart that is fully surrendered to Jesus. This is the mark of someone that has found his worth in their savior, not in their stuff. Can you say that, like Paul, you are content whether you are well fed or hungry? What is the key to contentedness? How could you take a step in that direction?
Pray:
- That you would seek HIS Kingdom over YOURS.
- That you would learn to be content and find your worth in Jesus.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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