It was a Saturday in November 2022 and we were in Athen’s, GA, for the UGA/TN football game. Dale and I had enjoyed having season tickets to the Georgia football games for several years at that point and were accustomed to the huge crowds descending on the Classic City to cheer on the Dawgs, but this Saturday was different than any we had experienced before. First of all, UGA had enjoyed a long winning streak and hadn’t seen a real competitor in Sanford stadium in years. Second, the bulldogs were struggling that season and the Tennessee Volunteers were strong, winning big games left and right. They came into that game against Georgia ranked No. 1 in the country and were understandably proud of it!!
The atmosphere as we walked through North Campus was decidedly intense, fans from both teams making comments about the other, but when we entered the stadium gates, things began really heating up. Thousands of fans were pushing and shoving, breaking in line when there was a line formed. I became concerned that a riot would break out, and this was before the game even started!! A young UGA student inching along next to me, obviously scared and perhaps claustrophobic, began having trouble breathing and started to panic. The most frightening part of the walk to our seats was going up the escalator. There were no security people managing the crowds and everyone began fighting and pushing to get up the escalator. Why were these fans behaving in this uncivilized manner? We all had tickets in the stadium and we would all get to our seats, but you would have thought it was first come, first serve! When we finally got to our seats, where I had hoped to feel safe and secure for the remainder of the evening, it was anything but calm. Tennessee and Georgia fans were already yelling at one another, threatening to fight! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!!
In today’s reading from Luke 12, the people’s insecurities are on full display as a crowd of many thousands gather to see and hear from Jesus. So anxious to be able to see and hear Him, they were trampling one another! Instead of calming the crowd, Jesus put His finger on five reasons for their insecurities. As long as they continued to look to something or someone other than God to meet their needs or assuage their fears, they would forever remain in this panic-stricken, anger-inducing state.
Read Luke 12:1-34
1. Pharisees and Their Hypocrisy
Underneath their fancy, flowing robes and headdresses was unbelief, jealousy, arrogance, deceit and rebellion against Holy God. It would be uncovered and exposed, therefore, DO NOT be like them!
2. Rome
Israel was a vassal state, one of the many countries that Rome had conquered in war and now controlled. Israel was a bit different from other countries now ruled, as their religious requirements were unlike any in the known world; therefore Rome extended a bit more leeway to the Jews, but not without making sure the religious leaders knew who was firmly in charge - Rome!
Jesus reassured his listeners that neither Rome nor their religious leaders had eternal authority. Yes, they could do all manner of evil to them, but after death, could do no more, as only God has authority to throw people into hell after death. Jesus gently pushes, “Do not be afraid, dear ones, although I can clearly see the obvious fear in your wild eyes and how you are pushing others aside to get just a little taste of hope from Me. Here it is: God sees you, He loves you! He knows how many hairs are on your head. Sounds impossible? It is! That’s just how awesome your God is!” (from vv 4-7)
3. Institutional Authorities
These religious, civic and governmental authorities will demand that the people choose who they will follow, putting the pressure on to deny the Son of Man and fall back in line under their power and rule, silent and obedient. Jesus warns, “If you choose to deny Me, which you have the right to do, you may have some semblance of peace in your community here in Galilee, but you will be denied by Me before the angels of God. However, if you acknowledge your faith and security in Me before the authorities here as well as those with whom you have influence, I will happily and proudly acknowledge you in heaven.” (from vv 8-10) Okay, Jesus, let’s say that we can get to the place where we trust You fully…You know that they are going to drag us into court and try to beat a denial out of us. What should we say in defense of ourselves? “Don’t worry - the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.” (v 12)
4. Material Wealth and Possessions
Whether received as an inheritance of family wealth or personal self-made success, Jesus warns us all to “watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” (v 15) When we look to our possessions or wealth or success, rather than God, it can work for awhile - years, decades even. But if we are truly honest with ourselves, do we ever feel completely safe and secure from all alarms? There are so many variables beyond our control - the stock market, natural disasters, our physical health - and how much is enough to make us confident that we truly are secure?
5. Father God and his Kingdom
Okay, let’s say we’re able to push through our fears, insecurities and temptation to look to other authorities or our material wealth and possessions for meaning and fulfillment. How can we be confident that God will provide all our needs for life and godliness? Jesus points to the ravens - these ugly, bossy birds that cannot provide for themselves - and assures us that we are infinitely more valuable to God than the birds He cares for. If that’s not enough proof of your Father God’s care for you, take a look at the wildflowers that covered the hillside the crowd was sitting on while listening to Jesus. These flowers serve no other purpose but to delight you. If these are the lengths God goes to, to bring a smile to your face, will He not also clothe and feed you? So seek God’s kingdom and all these other things, in varying degrees, will be provided for you as well.
“Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.” (v 32) We can lean on His everlasting arms and rest safe and secure from all alarms. As we end today’s devotion, enjoy this short music video of Alan Jackson performing “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Alan Jackson - Leaning On The Everlasting Arms (Live)
Big Picture Questions for Today:
* Are you confident that God will provide for all of your needs for life and godliness? Do your priorities and how you spend your time and money reflect that confidence in Christ?
* What scares you the most about the future? Loss of wealth and possession? Loss of relationships? Loss of control?
Pray for God to be your place of peace in the midst of any storm, angry crowd or hypocrisy that surrounds you. As Jesus encouraged His disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful,” (John 14:27) may you hold onto His peace that He has freely given you.
