Given the Kingdom

Luke 12:32 ~ “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
 
How often does the heart of a believer sink down into the well of anxiety and find themselves stuck in the muck and mire that lodges at the bottom? Plagued with a heart that trembles, not at the majesty of God, but at the circumstances of this world, the struggling saint finds little comfort from the platitudes often offered. I, myself, have been dragged down to the bottom of that well, seemingly tied with weights that hold fast. For all my effort to try and reach up to the surface and break free from the staggering grip of fear, I needed another to come and pull me out. Psalm 40:1-3 says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”
 
The first two words from our text today would ring hollow except for the One who tells us to: “Fear not.” This is not a shallow platitude that provides no means of actual accomplishment. These words are from the LORD Jesus and they are backed up with all the strength and power of Almighty God. And though we might be but a “little flock,” we are not ignored or forgotten by the Mind that knows all things. He does not see you or I as insignificant. You may be battered and struggling, but the LORD Jesus will not break a bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick (see Matthew 12:20). But what is it that might cause us to fear? What brings forth the command to “fear not?” Simply put, it is the fear of losing the very basics of living. In Luke 12:22-23 Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” These are elemental things, necessities by any measure, and yet the LORD tells us to not let them become the weight that drags us into despair.
 
What we need is a better perspective, a heavenly one, that looks to the LORD as the provider and anchors ourselves to Jesus as we wait for His kingdom. The second part of our text says, “for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Two things stand out as we consider the LORD’s words. First, the Father will give us the kingdom. Of course, not that we should rule over it, but be found in it, belonging to it and having our fears assuaged because it is a kingdom rich with God’s provision. If we fix our hope on earthly treasures and the temporary circumstances of this world, there is much cause for anxiety. However, if our desires are fixed elsewhere, set upon the kingdom of Christ, then we need not fear the loss of it—for it is promised by the One who cannot lie. Second, not only will the Father give us the kingdom, He does it with pleasure. God is delighted to bring all who believe into the glorious kingdom on high. Where Jesus reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords, His subjects are also His adopted brothers and sisters. And this is all to the Father’s pleasure.
 
So let me ask you, as you consider this text for today, do you grow anxious and fearful of the coming days before us? If you belong to Christ, you have no cause for such fear. The days on this earth may grow harsh and difficult, but they are truly temporary conditions. Paul said to the Philippians, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12). When we begin to consider that we are heading toward a heavenly land, a dwelling place where God, Himself, will be with us and dry every tear (see Revelation 7:17), how then can we be fearful of any worldly circumstance.
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Let us do as the text commands this day. Let us “fear not” for we have our eyes fixed upon another shore, and our hopes fulfilled in greater promises than any that this world could provide. If we have our lives hidden with Christ in God—let us then, rejoice!
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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