heart issue

Luke 12:31&32

"31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

We were reading from the prophet Malachi, who wrote on behalf of God. These are great verses in which God calls His people to restored fellowship. In these unique verses, God explicitly invites His people to “prove Me now herewith,” challenging their faith by promising that if they obey, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out such abundant blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

This is a key verse supporting the concept of tithing (giving 10%) to the local church. Some people are uncomfortable talking about tithing and will bring up that everything belongs to God, as if that makes better sense.

This does connect to the larger point we see throughout the Holy Scriptures: it is about our hearts and minds. Today’s verses from the Gospel of Luke bring us to that point. Jesus is teaching believers to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom above all else, promising that their earthly necessities will be provided as a result. The passage contrasts the anxious striving of the world for material needs with the confident trust of God’s children, who are assured of God’s provision and eternal inheritance.

Seeking the Kingdom

Jesus commands His followers to seek His kingdom rather than worrying about food, drink, or clothing (Luke 12:31). This “seeking” is an active, persistent pursuit of God’s rule and righteousness. The promise is that these physical necessities “will be added to you,” meaning God will supply what is needed as a byproduct of prioritizing His reign.

Overcoming Fear

In verse 32, Jesus addresses His disciples as a “little flock” and tells them not to be afraid. The reason for this lack of fear is that it is the Father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom. This assurance shifts the focus from earning provision through worry to receiving it as a gift from a loving Father who already knows their needs.

Key Takeaways:

Priority: God’s kingdom must be the primary focus of life, replacing the anxiety-driven accumulation of earthly goods.

Provision: God promises to provide daily needs, not as a reward for works, but as a gift to those who trust Him.

Identity: Believers are identified as a “little flock,” emphasizing their dependence on God as their Shepherd and protector.