And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are o able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil not spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all is glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! Luke 12: 25-28
What are you being anxious and worrying about? The uncertainty of life? The unknown? Other people? Getting hurt? Reliving same event that has happened in your past? Being alone? Being criticized? Having food? shelter? The list really could keep going.
What is presupposed is our physiological dependence on nature or rather on creation, and consequently ultimately on God. The “length of our life” rather than our “stature,” does not depend on us. Our worries and troubles will not change anything in that respect. Human powerlessness is stressed twice. This extra measure is considered to be a small thing. The most important realities elude our efforts and our worries. These things do not depend on us. The attitude suggested here is neither one of fatalism, and thus of resignation, nor one of a stoicism aiming for an inner detachment, but rather confident faith in the Creator. What results is not a careless passivity, but rather a free and happy activity that hopes in God and counts on his providence. Where does your faith lay in your Creator?
Let’s look at the word “Consider”. It implies both observing and contemplating. It is the verb used in the parable about the splinter and the log. It means “notice, observe, consider.” Lilies do not need clothing, since they are in themselves their own clothing and their corollas outmatch in beauty. The most celebrated luxury in the history of Israel, is Solomon. In Ecclesiastes it is used precisely with respect to Solomon. The author of that book in the end was obliged to admit the futility of all his toil, of all his “trouble.” The life of the lilies serves as a model for the confident believer, while Solomon’s existence is perhaps not so exemplary. When situated in its Jewish context, the contrast between the lilies, which neither spin nor weave, and Solomon takes on substance. What counts, however, is the comparison between believers and the lilies and, thanks to this comparison, the assurance that God pays attention to the little ones. If he gives lilies their splendor and even Solomon his glory, he also takes care of us poor humans, for our good. And that good is not just spiritual.
The final conclusion “how much more” is concentrated in v. 24e and developed in v. 28. The dazzling glory of the flowers is given to ordinary plants that will end up in the fire. That reinforces the “how much more … you.” Ravens were unclean birds. Lilies, in the last analysis, are but short-lived plants. But as for “you,” your faith may be little, but God thinks about you and appreciates you. The intensity and the authenticity of any single life witness to the fact that it is a gift from God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we know how much we mean to you. I pray that we will never doubt that. I pray that if we do have worry and anxiousness that we will focus on you and run to you during this time. I pray that you heal us from this and help us to focus on you and grow more in you.
In Jesus Name Amen
