Oct 20 - Luke 12:32

Do not be afraid, little flock,

for it is your Father's good pleasure

to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32

When I was twenty years old, I helped coordinate Lutheran youth ministry in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

In the dead of winter, the bishop's staff, including me, drove all over these states, meeting with congregational leaders. Each stop, the pastor in charge of worship led us all in singing his favorite hymn ...

Have no fear, little flock.

Have no fear, little flock.

For the Father has chosen

to give you the kingdom.

 Have no fear, little flock. 

In one context, Jesus has just reminded us that if God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field, he'll surely care for you. Therefore, he urges us to seek first the kingdom of God and trust that all others things will be added as well.
 

In another context, we were going from church to church in the dead of winter. It was cold, wind-blown, and snowy. There were no lilies in the field and the birds, apparently wiser than us, had migrated away.

We too have cold, wind-blown times. But into our darkness, the Savior calls, "Have no fear, little flock. Have no fear, little flock. For the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom. Have no fear, little flock."

May we each seek first the kingdom of God and trust in God's promises that the resurrection of spring will come again.

In Christ's Love,

a guy who remembers

the second verse by heart too ...

Have good cheer, little flock.

Have good cheer, little flock.

For the Father will keep you

In his love forever.

Have good cheer, little flock.