Friday of Lent 2

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — Luke 12:31–32

The kingdom of heaven, God’s reign of faith inner hearts, comes to us as a gift of God’s grace. In that way it is not earned or deserved. It is not given to us by our works or merits, but out of the good pleasure of God the Father, through the Holy Spirit, and for the sake of His Son Jesus Christ. It is ours and we can know it is.

Why then do we fear? Why do we fear what the kingdoms of this world can do to us? Why do we worry about what we will eat or what we will put on? Why do we let the temporary wants or the needs of this earthly life overshadow God’s eternal kingdom? Your Father knows what you need before you even ask, and He bids you to ask in faith.

What you need in life is more than food and clothing. You need the kingdom of God to come to you also. To seek His kingdom then is to pray that it come to you, that the Father give you His Holy Spirit that by His grace you believe His word and lead godly lives. That is what you, in faith, desire, and that is what is the Father’s good pleasure to give to you.

Dear Lord, our Good Shepherd, as you bid your flock not to fear but to trust in the good pleasure of the heavenly Father in giving to us the kingdom, so we pray that His kingdom would come among us through the preaching of your Word and the giving of your Sacraments. May we continue to seek that kingdom in faith, trusting in your grace, and giving thanks for your mercies which are new every morning, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.