JE 23
June 23
Luke 12:22-34. Christ warns his disciples against worldly carefulness.
Does the history of the rich man, whose soul was so suddenly required, concern the rich only? or does it concern the poor also?
It was to the poor disciples that Jesus turned after he had related the striking history, and it was to them these words were addressed— "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body, what you shall put on." Covetousness led the rich man to say to his soul, "Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry;" and covetousness might lead the poor disciples to ask, "What shall we eat, what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed?"
All sinners are inclined to overvalue the creature, and to undervalue the Creator.
The rich man betrayed this disposition by delighting in his well-stored barns, and forgetting his all-sufficient God. The disciples were in danger of repining when their bags were empty, and of forgetting their all-sufficient God. If you heard a person lamenting greatly because there was no water in his cup, you would suppose that he lived in a dry and thirsty land, where water could not be found; but if you knew that a fountain was playing at his door, then you would be astonished at his lamentations. Is not God a fountain of good? and is He not always near, and able to supply all our need? He does not even limit his goodness to those who acknowledge his benefits—millions of thoughtless beings are fed every day at his table—men who will not thank him, birds and beasts that cannot. How many He remembers who continually forget Him! And can He forget those who remember Him?
Has he not afforded us abundant proofs of his remembrance of all his creatures? Every little bird that sings among the branches, every painted flower that blooms among the grass, is a witness of the Lord's loving-kindness. Each seems to reproach the child of God with his unbelieving fears, and to say, "Be not of doubtful mind."
The Lord has so formed his living creatures that they need continual supplies of food to preserve their existence. Why has he formed us thus? Was it not to teach us dependence upon Himself? As we behold the throngs of people that pass along the street, the thought may naturally arise, "How have all these people obtained their bread this day?" The reply is, "Through the kind providence of God." Some of them, indeed, (unwilling to trust to this kind Providence,) have resorted to wicked means to gain their living; they have acted dishonestly and deceitfully. But had they all sought his kingdom and righteousness, would not their heavenly Father have fed them from His own hand? Undoubtedly he would. It is dreadful to think what sins people are led to commit through lack of trust in God; they steal, they tell lies, they break the Sabbath, they sell pernicious liquors, and corrupting books; because they believe, that if they did not use these wicked means of gaining a livelihood, they would be left to starve.
It is not surprising that those who do not know God should not trust him. The surprising thing is, that any who do know him should doubt his watchful care! Has he promised to give a kingdom to his little flock, and will he deny them daily bread? Has God had mercy on your soul, and will he neglect your body? Do you believe that He is love, and do you think that He will treat you as if He hated you?
In the land of Canada there once lived a mother, who in her eagerness to obtain intoxicating drink from a newly-arrived ship, left her babe upon the landing-place, and forgot to take it up again. It lay all night neglected and forlorn, and perished before morning. That mother was counted a monster. The Lord says to his children, "Can a woman forget her nursing child? Yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you." (Is. 49:15.) Yet where is the Christian who places as much confidence in his Heavenly Father, as a little child places in his earthly parents?