26 “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:26-27 ESV)
“At one level, worry is simply a human folly, roughly on the order of eating or drinking in excess, or staying up too late at night. Like over indulgence, worry is a self-destructive state we think we should be able to control,” explains commentator Daniel M Doriani.
In addressing the subject of worry, Jesus illustrated His previous admonition to not be anxious, found in Matthew 6:25, by commanding His listeners to look at the birds of the air.
Jesus pointed to an undeniable truth. Birds neither sow nor reap like a farmer. They neither gather grain into barns. They do not do anything that provides them food or shelter. Therefore, how do they survive?
Jesus’ answer is succinct. He said, “your heavenly Father feeds them.” How profound and how observably evident. Each time we see a bird plucking the ground or sitting in an abundant fruit tree, we should acknowledge God the Father’s providential care for them. At the same time, God is reminding each of us of His providential care on our behalf.
Jesus then posed this rhetorical question; to His audience then and now. He asked, “Are you not of more value than they?” The obvious answer is yes, we are. Jesus argued from the lesser to the greater. God will certainly care for us as He cares for the birds.
“The whole earth bears witness to God’s love, if we let faith guide our sight. Birds work hard at times, but they put forth no properly organized effort. They are not farmers. They neither sow nor harvest not store food, yet they avoid starvation. Like birds, we enjoy God’s providence. Yet we are more valuable than birds. Confident of his providence, we should seek him and his kingdom,” adds Doriani.
Jesus then concluded this section with this caveat. He said, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” The answer is obvious; no one.
Take time today to list, mentally or otherwise, how faithfully God provides for your needs. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 