In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is reasoning with his followers.
He puts forward that, if we trust him with our lives, we should seek to build up for ourselves that which cannot be taken away from us. After all, if we are eternal, we should spend more time storing up worthwhile and eternal things, rather than perishable and ultimately worthless. Yet, this is completely at odds with our fallen sinful nature and requires a complete attitude readjustment. Jesus lays it down bluntly though – no one can serve both God and money (the things of this world).
From this he draws some points. If we trust in Christ, God is our heavenly Father and will provide everything we need. (Rather than what we think we need). Therefore, we should not worry. This is not referring to concern about others, but rather needless anxiousness about oneself. God is loving and perfect and will provide everything his heavenly children need. Do we realise that we are children of God?
He also points out that worrying about something will not achieve a thing. It will not provide our needs and may even hinder us in our everyday lives.
Rather he points out that we should primarily seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and God will provide everything we need.
In his prayer, Nehemiah approached God recognising who God is and who he was.
He recognised he was approaching the creator and sustainer of the world. The omnipresent, omniscient and omnipresent God. The God who is holy and love.
He recognised he was a man, limited by time and space, and a sinner. As such, a holy God owed him nothing – he had no rights before God. He didn’t try to depict himself in a good light, but he was honest and to the point. He confessed his sin and those of the people he was praying for.
Yet, God loves to hear the prayers of those who are honest with him and with themselves, those who have have had their sins forgiven through his Son.
Are we willing to be honest before God, or will we try to present a false picture of ourselves before him who sees everything?
