Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 46
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IMMERSE
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MESSIAH
12:9-31
angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before
God’s angels. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven,
but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers
and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,
for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to
divide our father’s estate with me.”
Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such
things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed.
Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have
room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns
and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat
and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have
enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and
be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who
will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich
relationship with God.”
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to
worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or
enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more
than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food
in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than
any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if
worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying
over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their
clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they
are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and
thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you
have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t
worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything
you need.