The Gospel Coalition

     Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:32-34

Dear Lord Jesus, during this particular season of Lent, I’m poised to hear your calming voice and to experience your transforming presence. These loving words you spoke to your “beloved lambs” free me to own my uncertainty and fears. Like many of my friends, I’m facing changes in life which make me a great candidate for owning my place in your little flock.

The best news is that this “little flock” is your little flock. There’s no safer place than to be in your hand and heart. You alone are the Good Shepherd. I welcome your rod and your staff today, for they always lead me to green pastures of mercy and grace.

Lord Jesus, I completely understand why you warn us about setting our hearts on the wrong treasure when we’re feeling fearful and vulnerable. When threatened, we often look to the wrong things and wrong people for safety, stability, and security. We reach for temporary relief or obsess about a future inheritance.

But I’ve lived long enough to see what happens when we choose anything or anyone besides you as our ultimate treasure. Fear is the weed-infested garden in which all kinds of idols are planted, watered and harvested, but only to yield a bouquet of destruction.

I have friends who’ve inherited millions only to inherit the wind. I’ve seen families deeply stressed as they prepare for the reading of a will, and then become permanently divided over the execution of the same will. I’ve seen windfall profits turned into landfill waste in a matter of months. I’ve seen dads and moms drink away enough money in a couple of years to have built two orphanages in Haiti and educated their kids and grandkids for a couple of decades.

There are all kinds of wear and tear, and thieves and moths that destroy the temporal things and the self-centered fiefdoms of our own making. But nothing, absolutely nothing threatens you and your everlasting kingdom. Right in the middle of our uncertainty and vulnerability, we reaffirm that you, Lord Jesus, are our priceless treasure and most-to-be-desired inheritance. Because of you we call God “Abba, Father” and the new heaven and new earth our inheritance. The saints in heaven are certainly more joyful than we are, but they are no more loved or secure. Hallelujah, many times over!

Jesus, during the whole season of Lent, melt our fears with your peace; strengthen our hearts with your grace; and send us forth into kingdom service with your irrepressible love. So very Amen we pray, in your in  your sane-making, soul-centering name.