Luke 12 Devotional

Treasure the Father Gives

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”Luke 12:32 (BSB)

Asked to settle an inheritance dispute, Jesus warns against greed: a person's life is not measured by how much he owns (12:13-15). Then he tells of a rich man whose land produces so much that he plans bigger barns and years of ease. God calls him a fool, because his life will be demanded of him that very night (12:16-20). He had planned for everything except meeting God.

Jesus turns from the fool's hoarding to the Father's care. God feeds ravens that have no barn and dresses wildflowers more finely than Solomon (12:24-27). He knows what his children need (12:30). Then comes the chapter's deepest comfort: the little flock need not fear, because it delights their Father to hand them his kingdom (12:32). Jesus even pictures a master who comes home, dresses himself to serve, and waits on his watchful servants at the table (12:37). Because the kingdom is a gift and not a wage, you are free to loosen your grip on what you own and to give generously.

To think about: What possession or plan are you holding most tightly, and how might the Father's delight in giving you his kingdom loosen your grip on it?