Scripture Reading: Luke 12.22-34 Today's inspiration: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you

the kingdom. Luke 12.32

Good Morning.

As we wind our way through Luke, some Scripture passages I read and then think, 'oh, man-this is a tough one--Lord, please help me!' While other passages just seem to preach themselves. They issue forth from the heart of Jesus almost in poetic form, filled with wisdom and inspiration at first glance, like today's verses. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens (here in So. Cal, we see these birds with their shiny black feathers, unconcerned in flight). . . God feeds them. Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. . . not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Have you looked at a lily lately? Take a minute today, stop at a flower stand, pop into Lowe's garden center--take a look! Look at the beauty and magnificence of a Stargazer or other asiatic lily. God painted their rich colors, and constructed their lovely petals. He much more He cares for us than these lilies!

Why was Jesus concerned that His disciples, His children not worry? Worry keeps us off balance, in a state of mistrust, and robs us of JOY.

Jesus looked around at His people, telling them the Father had given them the kingdom. . . but how had He done that? Seven hundred years before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah had said, For to us a Son is given, to us a Son is born. The government will be upon His shoulders. . .' The Jews were looking for the Messiah to come as a conquering king, who would overthrow the Roman government, and free them from tyranny--so, many overlooked the miracle-working Carpenter, the son of Joseph and Mary. Kingdom? Well, Jesus' words (posted above), certainly harkened back to others penned by Dr. Luke in the passage we call the Christmas story. . . 'remember? An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

The kingdom of God coming to earth was good news, as the angels told the simple shepherds that night so long ago. Earth would never be the same, after the Savior came to be born and live among us. His birth brought great joy! And can you begin to imagine the joy that the young maiden felt that night she gave birth to the Son of God? How difficult her pregnancy had been, under a cloud of shame! Yet she remembered like yesterday when the angel appeared to her and told her she had been chosen. . . Full of faith, she accepted what he told her, and then she broke out in song, "O, how I praise the Lord, how I rejoice in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed." Joy! Note to self: Even though not another soul knew what Mary felt~she didn't try to explain or justify either. . . she pondered these things in her heart--she treasured being chosen by God. Sometimes, God speaks to us--a prompting, an assurance of His presence or leading to do something for Him. . . 'doesn't require that we understand fully, but to be prompted by the most high God--well, that is joy!

When I was 15, I played the organ in a neighborhood Pentecostal church; I well remember an old hymn that I grew to love, 'it is joy unspeakable and full of glory--' What is the joy that cannot even be explained, and full of glory? Well of course, that joy is knowing we will live forever with the King of glory, all because of that Manger Baby. Have you been to the manger? Let us imagine kneeling down, and touching the soft cheek of the infant boy. . . tiny, vulnerable. . . never mind His crude surroundings. He didn't mind them. He was on a mission to bring good news of great joy for all people.

I close in the same way Luke started out his gospel, 'SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW the certainty of the things you have been taught,'

Christine