“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. —Luke 12:32-34

One of the most repeated commands is scripture is “Fear not,” or to use more common language, “Don’t be afraid.” These commands are never without a ground, a reason that we should not fear. Luke 12:32 makes it clear that we should not fear since—like a flock of tender sheep—our heavenly father intends to give us the kingdom of God. Luke is referring to the the anxiety addressed in Luke 12:22–31, namely that the disciples—those following Jesus—would be too concerned about food and clothing, sustenance and shelter. After all, what can be more basic than those things?

Jesus makes it clear that we should not be anxious or worried about food or clothing. Why? Because we have a Heavenly Father who knows we need those things, and as a good father, he will provide for all that we need (verse 30). Jesus says in verse 31, “Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Don’t be anxious; seek the kingdom of God.

In case you are one of those people who reads these verses and shifts anxiety from the getting of food and shelter to anxiety about “SEEK THE KINGDOM,” don’t miss the context. I think Jesus anticipated the fear that could come when told to trust in God for everything. This is why he says “Fear not” in verse 32. Why? What ground does Jesus give to not fear?

The rest of the verse tells us: “…for it is your Father’s Good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Remember your Heavenly Father, reminding you right now that he cares for you as a perfect, all-knowing shepherd. Not only that, God is pleased in doing so! It is his good pleasure to give you and I the Kingdom that he commands us to seek. The kingdom of God is not something we buy, or earn, but is one that is given by God the Father to those who trust in Christ.

This is why God tells us in verse 33 to “sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” God wants us to exchange the fleeting, elusive wealth of this world for the lasting riches that await us in heaven. Part of seeking God’s kingdom now is rightly prioritizing which wealth we pursue: will it be treasure from the kingdoms of the world, or treasure in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Friends, it is God’s good pleasure to provide and care for his little flock. God wants us to treasure him, our Heavenly Father, above any material need that we might have. Why? Verse 34 reads, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Anxiety about food and clothing or a pursuit of possessions reveals a heart that is not treasuring Christ as it should. God’s mercy to us is freeing us from the cares of this world, and pointing us to the reality of his infinite, unending Kingdom of Heaven that awaits.