Further Instruction from the Mount - Pt 2

 

[Jesus said] “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? 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? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 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? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:25–34 ESV).

 

Tomorrow’s troubles are often the chief source of anxiety. In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has just gone over the trouble with valuing this world over the Kingdom world. He is emphasizing it with the emphasis that His followers should resist the pull of worry by remembering the Father’s faithful care and by giving priority to His kingdom. Life simply is more than possessions. You’d think we would understand that but we often find that simple things are the hardest things to master.

 

Jesus reminds us that life is greater than food, drink, clothing, or any other possession. If God feeds the birds and clothes the fields with beauty, He will certainly care for His people. Then He asks a very pointed question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Worry consumes energy without producing peace, provision, or control. It magnifies tomorrow’s trouble while weakening today’s faith.

 

Again, the antidote is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Instead of fretting over daily needs, believers are called to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” This does not deny real needs; it places them under the care of the Father who already knows them.

 

Let me suggest one simple thing that might be helpful if you are a “fretter.” Trust God with your anxieties. Don’t ignore or deny them. God already knows what you’re feeling and He’s ready to help. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Write down the things that concern you, whatever they are. Talk to God about those things. Lay your requests and concerns before Him. Then, thank God for His faithfulness and provision in the past; and, trust God to continue to take care of your worries about tomorrow.

 

Choose today to let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Further Instructions from the Mount - Pt 1

 

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

 

As Jesus continues with His teaching from the Mount, He instructs his followers to prioritize eternal, spiritual wealth over temporary material possessions. He teaches that earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, whereas heavenly treasures are secure. Ultimately, He explains that a person's devotion naturally follows what they value most.

 

The picture I’ve attached today is of the interment of Aurora Schuck. When she passed away from cancer in 1989, she was laid to rest inside her beloved red 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. The burial required 14 adjoining plots and a massive custom concrete vault. You can visit this gravesite at Riverview Cemetery in Aurora, Indiana. It seems her husband, Raymond, purchased 14 burial plots to accommodate the size of the car and vault. A custom concrete vault measuring 27 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet deep was constructed. A crane was used to gently lower the polished, drained Cadillac—with its top down and Aurora belted into the back seat—into the ground. Thirteen years later, when Raymond passed away in 2002, his cremated remains were piped down into the same vault so he could be reunited with Aurora and her cherished car for eternity.

 

Well, that may be a bit excessive, or at least eccentric. However, we should not get confused. Jesus isn’t condemning earning an income. He’s not ruling out earthly possessions. He’s not outlawing all saving. Or any enjoyment of His gifts. He’s telling us not to get our hearts wrapped around them. And make them our primary investment in this life.

 

He’s ruling out the selfish accumulation of stuff. An overly extravagant lifestyle. He’s telling us not to get too comfortable here on earth. To put our hope in the things of this age. Those things won’t last. They wear out. They break down. They decay. Or they get stolen. Back in Christ’s day, people lived with far more awareness of how transient everything was. Life was far more volatile, much more dangerous.

 

We don’t feel it quite as much today. We fool ourselves. We tend to think possessions and wealth will guarantee us a future. We can fight off thoughts of death for a time, but one day, a hearse will drive our bodies away. And, as they say, there won’t be a U-Haul behind… maybe a Cadillac, but not a U-Haul! Take care to treasure heavenly things!

 

The Model Prayer - Pt 9

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Before we leave the Model Prayer we should give some consideration to the verse that some manuscripts have added to verse 13: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen” It is a powerful doxology; however, the phrase “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,” as part of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13), is absent from the early Greek manuscripts like Sinaiticus (א) and Vaticanus (B), both 4th-century manuscripts; Bezae (D) from the 5th century; and Dublinensis (Z) from the 6th century. The absence of the phrase in these early Greek manuscripts is significant evidence that the words were not original in Matthew’s Gospel. That it is absent in the writings of early theologians like Tertullian (2nd—3rd centuries), Origen (3rd century), Cyprian (3rd century), Ambrose (4th century), and Augustine (4th—5th centuries) also suggests that “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever” was not originally included in the Lord’s Prayer.

 

The real question might be posed for thought: “Is it a helpful reminder of how we ought to pray?” And of course, that answer is a resounding YES! So, let me point out a few points of inspiration.

 

First, we should not forget that it is the tendency of sinful man to prioritize an earthly kingdom rather than a heavenly kingdom. The earthly realm often prioritizes power, order, and material resources. However, Jesus's declaration underscores the transcendent nature of his kingdom: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Unlike earthly kingdoms built on temporal foundations, the heavenly kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Life is completely different as a citizen in the kingdom of Jesus. Jesus has called us into His kingdom not by His power, but by His love and sacrifice.

 

Second, we should understand the difference between earthly power versus heavenly power. Earthly power is fleeting, tied to material resources and human authority. In contrast, heavenly power, as seen in the resurrection, transcends the limitations of earthly existence. It is the power to transform death into eternal life, offering hope, healing, and redemption to all who have been called by the Holy Spirit into life. This resurrection power reshapes our perspectives and reaches out of eternity into space and time to infuse our lives with faith, hope, and love.

 

And third, we should recognize the difference between earthly glory and heavenly glory. Earthly glory often revolves around personal acclaim, achievements, and material possessions. How many likes or views do you have? How many people have read your book? What’s your approval rating? How much money do you have? What kind of car do you drive? However, heavenly glory manifests in acts of love and service, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples' feet. This selfless love, culminating in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, reveals the true glory of God—a glory rooted in love, sacrificial giving, redemption, and reconciliation.

 

This doxology of the Lord's Prayer encapsulates a spirit of submission and trust. By acknowledging God's kingdom, power, and glory, we relinquish our desire for control and recognition, placing our lives entirely in God's hands. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of profound faith and dependence on the One who holds all things together. While probably later added by a scribe, it certainly captures the intent of Scripture. Prayer should be an act of submission and faith.

 

The Model Prayer - Pt 8

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Our reading today is the concluding verse of the “Model Prayer.” There are incredible clarity and significance in Jesus ending the prayer with this petition. He says, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (v. 13). The first part of this instruction (“…lead us not into temptation”) is in the practice of a humble acknowledgment of our human weakness. It is a plea for God to keep us from situations where our faith would be tested beyond our capacity to endure, or to spare us from spiritual tests that could lead us into sin. The second part of it (“… deliver us from evil”) asks for active protection against our unseen spiritual enemies. It is a request to be shielded from spiritual warfare, moral corruption, and the influence of Satan.

 

I have found that many believers have not taken seriously this part of Christian theology. "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" refers to unseen demonic powers and fallen angels (cf. Ephesians 6:12). Somehow, we have been lulled into a belief that the hierarchy of cosmic darkness that opposes God and influences human hearts, requiring spiritual vigilance and faith, is not much more than the stuff of “scary dreams.”

 

However, the dark side of the heavenly realms is the place of Satan and his evil spirits. Satan is not the counterpart to God. God has no challenger. Satan is a created being who has only the power God allows him to have for only as long as God allows it (cf. Isaiah 14:12; Luke 22:31; Revelation 12:12). Yet, for reasons known only to God, Satan and other demonic spirits are allowed to wreak havoc upon the earth and the servants of God. If left unchecked by spiritual warfare and the holy angels our world becomes intolerable.

 

We can learn a few things from the Biblical glimpses into the heavenly realms. First, we learn that there is fierce warfare taking place at all times. Satan and his demons are actively working to thwart the plans of God and destroy whatever they can (cf. John 10:10). If a mighty angel on a mission from God could be detained by demonic forces (cf. Daniel 10), then demons must have great power. Second, God does not leave His children defenseless against this evil army. The Apostle Paul says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4). And, the apostle lists the spiritual armor we need to stand firm against the temptations and schemes of the devil (cf. Ephesians 6:11-17). In ourselves, we are no match for Satan’s devices. We need spiritual armor to fight spiritual battles. The third truth we can learn from the Daniel passage is that prayer gets God’s attention and that His answer is on the way. There are forces unknown to us that may interfere with God’s desire to aid us, and we must continue to persevere in prayer until the answer comes (cf. Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18).

 

This petition is essential in our daily prayer life!

 

The Model Prayer - Pt 7

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Today’s portion of the model prayer is perhaps the most interesting portion of the prayer. It details both the petition for forgiveness and the practical application of the mechanism of that action. Jesus says, “… forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (v. 12). The Greek word used here is ὀφείλημα (pronounced “o-fay'-lay-mah”). It is only used twice in the entire New Testament. Both of those occurrences are in this verse. The word denotes that which is owed, or an outstanding liability that must be satisfied. While its basic sense is financial, the term readily broadened to include moral and spiritual obligations, allowing Scripture to speak of sin as a payable debt before God.

 

Jesus teaches His disciples to approach the Father aware of moral indebtedness and to pray for release with the active release of others. The plural form highlights communal responsibility: the people of God pray not only for personal absolution but for corporate cleansing that sustains fellowship. The Apostle Paul understood this concept and instructs the Roman church with the statement: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV). This is within the context of a contrast between what we have “earned” by our sin and what God has mercifully given us through His grace. If righteousness could be merited, God would merely be settling accounts. Instead, justification comes as an unmerited gift, underscoring the gospel’s foundation in grace rather than human earning.

 

Other great reformers and patriarchs of the church have indicated the same interpretation. John Chrysostom highlighted the inseparability of receiving and extending forgiveness. Augustine saw in the term a reminder that even after baptism believers daily need cleansing grace. Martin Luther read this passage (Romans 4-6) as the heart of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, opposing any notion of merited salvation. John Calvin underscored that good works, though necessary as fruit, can never place God in a debtor position.

 

So, what does that mean for us today? Certainly we can see the importance of cultivating daily confession, trusting the Father who “is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). It ought to motivate us to extend tangible and relational forgiveness promptly; and, to serve God not to earn favor but out of gratitude for debts already canceled.

 

Remember, these are simple things, not easy things that Jesus desires from His followers.

 

The Model Prayer - Pt 6

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Bread is the essence of life, it’s what sustains us every day. As we ask God to give us our daily bread, we not only acknowledge our dependency on Him for life’s necessities, but we also declare that He is everything we need.

 

While wandering through the wilderness, the Israelites were fed daily by a bread that fell from Heaven. They called it “Manna.” On a desert journey, where they had no source of sustenance except God alone, they looked for their daily portion of manna to meet their needs. Today we have a new manna from Heaven. Jesus explained to his disciples, “This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever” (cf. John 6:58). Jesus is our daily bread. Just a few verses earlier, He declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (cf. John 6:35).

 

As we go through our daily lives, we must ask ourselves: What is the source of our sustenance and contentment? Are we looking to Jesus or are we looking to our own efforts to provide for us, fulfill us, and sustain us?

 

The good news is that Jesus freely provides Himself as the bread of life and He invites us to partake in His feast. Our prayer this month reminds us to trust in Jesus every day at every moment. May He be our heart’s deepest desire and all that we need.

 

 

The Model Prayer - Pt 5

 

[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).

 

Today we see the next of Jesus’ instructions in our prayers: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” (v. 10). You may remember this was a part of the final recorded prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion (cf. Luke 22). They are difficult words to pray. We may let them roll off our tongues when we recite the Lord’s Prayer but to actually think about and mean what we say as we repeat those words can be next to impossible. When we pray “Thy will be done” we are telling God that we put our whole trust in Him; that we will put aside our wants, desires, hopes, and dreams aside and instead trust that what He brings to us will be exactly what we need at that moment.

 

This is not a “surrender of defeat.” I have often heard people during a difficult time simply say, “Well, that’s just God’s will.” There is a great difference between that and desiring the will of God each moment of our life. This is an active request for God to do what He knows is best in our life.

 

God knows our every need. He knows our every desire. He knows what is best for us. Today I pray that we each will trust in His wisdom and in His love for us and know that when we give Him our whole selves and when we proclaim “Thy will be done!” that He will take care of us in ways we could never imagine. Trusting can be difficult; it can be scary. But God loves us in a way that we can’t even comprehend and He is faithful even when we doubt Him.

 

Thy will be done, Lord.