His Word Today

²⁸ “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30 ESV)

Having addressed the issue of anxiety over food and length of life, Jesus then spoke about anxiety over clothing. Clothing dominates many people’s thinking.

“I don’t design clothes. I design dreams.” —Ralph Lauren

“I want people to see the dress, but focus on the woman.” —Vera Wang

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” —Bill Cunningham

“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.” —Carrie Bradshaw

Good clothing has always been a part of who I am as an individual. Perhaps it is because my family name is associated with the clothing industry. It may also be because my grandfather was an excellent tailor. It was my dad who taught me the importance of investing in a well-made suit.

Like anything else in life, clothing can become an idol. In Jesus’ day, clothing may have been less about fashion and more about daily survival. Either way, Jesus warned all believers in Christ to pay more attention to God’s provision and protection that our proliferation of pants, tops and shoes.

Jesus said Consider. To consider (καταμανθάνω katamanthanō)  is an active command to observe and to learn. Jesus instructed us to observe the lilies and the grass of the fields. Using this object lesson, Jesus referred to the flowers and grass a new way.

In the Old Testament, the flowers and the grass illustrated the brevity of life (Psalm 37:1-2; 103:15-16; Isaiah 40:6-8). However, Jesus taught that the flowers and grass reflect the care and concern of Almighty God upon His creation.

“If God lavishes such care on lilies, which bloom only for a few days, and on animals, which live a few years, then how much more will He care for us,” explains commentator Daniel M. Doriani.

To be anxious about what we wear, whatever style you may prefer, is immature. It is being an individual who exhibits little faith, trust, commitment, dependence and worship of God.  

“Faith is, for Matthew, a very practical reliance on the care and power of the Father and of Jesus (Matt. 8:8-10; 9:1-2, 21-22, 28-29),” states commentator R. T. France. “Anxiety is therefore the opposite, and is ruled out for the disciple.”  

Therefore, as with food and the length of life, the Lord cautions us to not be anxious about clothing. Finally, “When in doubt, wear red.” —Bill Blass

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁷ “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:27 (ESV)

Many people spend hours of their day worrying. They are consumed by the anxiety of what could, might, and perhaps will happen, or not happen, in their lives; or in the lives of others. They worry about their health, their kids, money, the government, society, and a countless list of other issues.

Worrying is a never ending downward cycle of ineffective living. Why? It is because nothing is accomplished by anxiety. Jesus said, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? The obvious answer to this rhetorical question is a resolute no. Worrying accomplishes nothing.

The Greek text reads this way. “And who among you by being anxious is able to add one hour to his life span?” The phrase life span (ἡλικία; helikia) can not only refer to a period of time, as it does here, but also maturity of age (John 9:21-23) and the measurement of length or height; eighteen inches (Luke 2:52; 12:25; 19:3; Eph. 4:13).

“The word ἡλικιαν [hēlikian] is used either of height (stature) or length of life (age). Either makes good sense here, though probably “stature” suits the context best. Certainly anxiety will not help either kind of growth, but rather hinder by auto-intoxication if nothing more. This is no plea for idleness, for even the birds are diligent and the flowers grow,” explains Greek scholar A.T. Robertson.

“The point is that worry cannot accomplish even a little thing. Since it would be a rather large thing to add eighteen inches of height, Jesus must mean that we cannot add an hour to our life. Indeed, some say, the stress of worry may cost us a few hours of life. But certainly, worry, by itself, cannot lengthen our life span. Therefore, we should commit our energies to places where they can make a difference, by seeking first the kingdom of God,” states commentator Daniel M. Doriani.

“Some of us are more prone to anxiety than others. Yet as we read in today’s passage, persistent worry is not our calling as Christians. We need not be anxious about tomorrow if we are serving Jesus, for while we may not get all of our wants, He will certainly give us all of our needs. If you are struggling with anxiety this day, take your eyes off yourself and do a good deed for another person. Then, ask God to help you learn how to trust in Him confidently,” concludes Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Soli deo Gloria!

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!

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25 (ESV)

In the immediate aftermath of teaching His disciples, among others, about not treasuring earthly treasures, Jesus addressed the subject of anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Two of the most common objects of worry for people has always been health and wealth; or the lack thereof.

“Having told us not to store up earthly treasures (Matt. 6:19–24), in today’s passage Jesus anticipates an objection to His teaching. Sure, some may think, it is easy to tell us not to pursue earthly treasures, but we need money and other goods to meet our needs. Will we not worry if we do not go after such treasures? After all, how will we afford to eat, buy clothes, and so on without money,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Jesus invoked His own authority when He declared, “Therefore I tell you.” He then said, “Do not be anxious about your life.” The phrase do not be anxious (μεριμνάω; merimnao) is a present active imperative command from the Lord. Therefore, it is a command that we must obey. It means to not be concerned.

About what are believers in Christ to not be concerned? Jesus said to not be concerned about your life. Life (ψυχή; psyche) refers to the intellect, emotions and will of an individual. Jesus taught that we should not be worried in our thinking, feelings and decisions.

Jesus then spoke about what people normally think, feel and choose with anxiety. It involves what we will eat, drink, and what clothing we will wear. Things have not changed in 2,000 years.

Jesus taught that our thoughts, emotions and decision should not be driven by worry about what we will eat, drink and wear. He concluded that life should be more than the food we consume and the clothes we wear.

“Our Savior’s answer to this unstated problem is simple: “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (v. 25a). In the examples that follow, Jesus shows us why we need not fret about such things. But before we get into these reasons, note that Christ is not here commending a lackadaisical approach to life in which we expect everything to fall into our laps. Nor does His teaching release us from the duty to feed our families. Scripture is clear that we should be industrious, just like the ants (Prov. 6:6–11), and that anyone who does not provide for his family is worse than the unbeliever who does (1 Tim. 5:8). Even so, toiling away out of fear for the future is not the same thing as God-glorifying labor,” concludes Dr. Sproul.  

Obedience to Jesus’ command will be followed by logical reasons for such obedience. I encourage you to read Matthew 6:26-34. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!   

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

The gospel song Gotta Serve Somebody was written by Bob Dylan and appears on The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan tribute album. It was one of several compositions written by Dylan from 1979-1981. The song’s chorus is as follows.

But you’re going to have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re going to have to serve somebody.
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re going to have to serve somebody.

Dylan lyrics echo Jesus Christ’s teaching in His Sermon On The Mount that is contained in today’s text. Jesus emphatically stated that “No one can serve two masters.”

The phrase No one (οὐδείς; oudeis) is a universal negative statement. It refers to a particular class of people. In this case, everybody. No one can (δύναμαι; dynamai) means that no one is able, or has the ability, to do something. What is it that no one can do?

No one can serve two masters. The word master (κύριος; kyrios) refers to a lord, owner or ruler. It means an individual who owns an estate and the slaves who work the estate. There is no feasible way possible for a slave belonging to one owner to serve another owner. It cannot happen.

Jesus explained that in seeking to serve and please two masters that several results are bound to occur. First, the slave will either love the one or hate the other. Second, the slave will be devoted (ἀντέχω; antecho) or cling to one and despise (καταφρονέω; kataphroneo) or look down on and scorn the other.

Jesus then brought the doctrine to a particular application; given the historical context of His audience, which included the Pharisees. It is impossible to serve and be loyal to the Lord while at the same time seeking to serve and be loyal to someone, or something else. In this particular context, the other object of servitude was money.

“His (Jesus’) point is that we must serve the Father alone, Christ tells us we “cannot serve God and money” (v. 24). If we try to follow both, we can do justice to neither. In fact, if we try to serve both, we are not serving God at all,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.   

Are you conflicted in trying to serve two masters? How long have you tried? Resolve today, and in the days to come, to completely commit to serve the Lord preeminently. When doing so, everything else in life is in its proper place and priority.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!   

²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, ²³ but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)

The metaphor Jesus used of the eye and the body builds upon the previous context of Matthew 6:19-21. Observantly, Jesus used several plays on words to convey a deep meaning and understanding concerning the subject of treasuring treasures.  

The eye provides an individual vision in which to see where to go and what objects to avoid. Therefore, the eye provides health and well-being for the entire physical body.

However, if an individual’s vision is bad, or there is blindness, it also affects the entire body. In the ancient world, blindness often resulted in begging as the only means of financial support or income if an individual had no family.  

“The Pharisees had this problem because their spiritual eyes were diseased (Matt. 6:22). With their eyes they were coveting money and wealth. Thus they were in spiritual darkness. They were slaves to the master of greed, and their desire for money was so great they were failing in their service to their true Master, God,” explains Dr. John Walvoord.

“Our Savior’s warning against the love of money brackets His teaching on good eyes and bad ones (Matt. 6:22–23). This shows us that an unhealthy eye, one full of darkness, is a metaphor for an attitude of greed and covetousness. In fact, in Jesus’ day, the rabbis described those who love money more than God as those with bad eyes. A healthy eye would then refer to one who is generous with his resources. Such persons reflect the Lord’s own generosity and have light. By the Holy Spirit they see rightly and follow the straight path of righteousness,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

How is your spiritual vision today? What issues of life threaten to blur or darken your vision of the Lord’s glory? Have your vision checked by the Word of God. Scripture provides a prescription for healthy and clear eyes.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21 ESV)

The context of today’s text not only challenges believers in Christ to not treasure treasures on earth but rather to treasure treasures in heaven. Jesus’ similar statement is also a present active command to His disciples. In contrast to earthly treasures, treasures in heaven are not susceptible to decay or thievery. In other words, treasures in heaven are secure for the believer in Christ.  

“Don’t miss this utterly radical point. It’s the way Jesus thinks and talks all the time. Being heavenly-minded makes a radically loving difference in this world. The people who are most powerfully persuaded that what matters is treasure in heaven, not big accumulations of money here, are the people who will constantly dream of ways to simplify and serve, simplify and serve, simplify and serve. They will give and give and give. And of course, they will work and work and work, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:28: “so that [they] may have something to share with anyone in need,” states Pastor John Piper.

“The connection with worship — in life and on Sundays — is this: Jesus commands us to accumulate treasure in heaven, that is, to maximize our joy in God. He says that the way to do this is to sell and simplify for the sake of others. So He motivates simplicity and service by our desire to maximize our joy in God, which means that all of our use of money becomes a manifestation of how much we delight in God above money and things. And that is worship.”

This is particularly tough concept for many American Christians to consider; let alone practice. There is a strong emphasis for gain and accumulation by many church leaders. In other words, many stress having your best life now by accumulating all the things that money can buy. According to today’s text, we must do all we can to push back against the cultural and worldly norm of materialism.

The treasure you treasure will be conspicuous in your life. It is not sinful to have possessions such a house, car, or clothes. However, it is sinful when these possession possess you and become your purpose for living.

“The “worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word,” Jesus warned (Matt. 13:22). Didn’t Jesus say something about the futility of trying to serve God and mammon? Didn’t Jesus say something about the futility of laying up treasures on earth rather than in heaven? Didn’t Jesus say where our treasure was, there would our hearts be also (Matt. 6:19–24)? Some who “long for it,” for money, the apostle says, “have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim. 6:10),” explains Pastor Terry Johnson. .

May each of us take to heart what Jesus taught. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19–20 ESV)

Do not lay up (θησαυρίζω; theaurizo) is a present active command from God. It means to store up or save up (Luke 12:21; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 12:14; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:7). In other words, Jesus said “do not treasure.”

What is it that disciples of Jesus Christ are not to treasure? Jesus said “do not treasure treasures (θησαυρός; thesaurus). Jesus used both the verb and noun form of the word. The Greek word thesaurus is where we derive the English word Thesaurus; a reference book, or treasury, of English synonyms.  

The treasures Jesus had in mind belonged to our earthly existence. They are the treasures belonging exclusively to this life on earth. These would include, but not limited to the following: money, possessions, cars, clothes, houses, land and investments. Jesus did not say that possessions were wrong, but to treasure them and to live for them is; because it is a form of idolatry.

The reason to not treasure earthly treasures is two-fold. They decay and they can be stolen. Decay involves consuming insects that eat clothing (βρῶσις; brosis). They destroy (ἀφανίζω; aphanizo) meaning to rust, tarnish and corrode. Treasures can also be stolen by thieves who break into one’s home and take what does not belong to them. Smash and grab is not just a 21^st century social problem.

The primary reason to not treasure earthly treasures is because they detract from an exclusive worship of God. It can occur subtly over a period of time but what we possess can slowly begin to possess us and become a god. This violates the first commandment (Ex. 20:

“The inner essence of worship is treasuring Jesus as infinitely valuable above everything. The outer forms of worship are the acts that show how much we treasure God. Therefore, all of life is meant to be worship because God said whether you eat or drink or whatever you do — all of life — do it all to show how valuable the glory of God is to you (1 Cor. 10:31),” explains Pastor John Piper.

“Money and possessions are a big part of life, and therefore God intends them to be a big part of worship. So the way we worship with our money and our possessions is to get them and use them and lose them in a way that shows how much we treasure Jesus, not money.”

Have a blessed day in the Lord. May each of us as believers strive to love the Lord and people and use things rather than love things and use the Lord and people. It makes a difference.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19–20 ESV)

“The point is, ladies and gentlemen, greed is good. Greed works, greed is right. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all its forms, greed for life, money, love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge of mankind — and greed, mark my words — will save not only Teldar Paper but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA…Thank you.” — Gordon Gekko (Wall Street, 1987)

“Another idol has displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I would tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve.”

“What idol has displace you?” he rejoined.

“A golden one”

This is the even-handed dealing of the world,” he said. “There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with severity as the pursuit of wealth!”

“You fear the world too much,” she answered, gently. “All your other hopes have merged into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach. I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master-passion, Gain,    engrosses you. Have I not?”

“What then?” he retorted. “Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I am not changed toward you.”

She shook her head.

“Am I?”

“Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so, until, in good season, we could improve our worldly fortune by our patient industry. You are changed. When it was made, you were another man.” – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

“This deadly plague reigns everywhere throughout the world. Men are grown mad with an insatiable desire of gain.” – John Calvin

⁶ “But godliness with contentment is great gain, ⁷ for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. ⁹ But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:6–10 ESV)

Much has been written and spoken concerning wealth; not only in secular, but also in sacred writings. What is the biblical perspective concerning the pursuit of material prosperity? For the next several days our study will concern Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 6 on wealth, and anxiety about the lack thereof.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!