And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies or the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:28,29
Outside our front door was a small flower bed in which grew a few pansies and marigolds, although the neighbourhood deer herd kept those flowers trimmed back to a bare minimum. As with all flower beds, a few weeds and other plants had sprung up. Judy let one such unknown plant grow, not knowing what it was, until it reached a good size. The plant grew well, and then developed a flower, at which point we discovered it was a wild daisy. And it was a beautiful addition to the flower bed even though it was not the fruit of our labours. Even the deer let it grow and flourish. It was proof to us that the flowers that our Heavenly Father plants can outdo those of the best earthly gardener. In the very same way, what He does for us in terms of care and provision far exceed anything that we can do for ourselves, or that anybody else can do for us.
The world recognizes Solomon as one of the richest men who ever lived. And the Bible endorses that, describing how Solomon benefited from his inheritance from his father David and from his diplomacy and the excellent management of his regime. Undoubtedly, he dressed well, and he had beautiful things all about him, as befits someone of his wealth. But a lily of the field – or even a daisy – could outshine Solomon any day! And you and I can trust the same God who dresses the flowers to provide us with not only raiment but food and shelter and many of life’s desirables. Yes, we work hard for our income, and we do our best to manage our budgets. But it is always God at the source of all that we have. So we need to learn to trust Him more and appreciate His provision more.
Proof of God’s provision for us is Calvary. Our greatest need is not for this life, but for the next. And the work of our Saviour on the cross has fully met all of eternity’s requirements. The religious world around us works and performs and does its little dance to try to provide for eternity. How sad! We who have been shown by the Holy Spirit what Jesus did for us must surely give thanks every day, every hour, for God’s provision.
There is a great calm for the Christian who can appreciate all that God has provided for us. He has dressed us in robes of righteousness, and they outshine the robes of Solomon! -Jim MacIntosh