I have been writing it on my hand all semester. I say again and again in prayer. I meditate on it continually. I read it over and over just to make sure that the words never change.  It was a commissioning verse from my time in Montana and this verse is my mantra this year.

Luke 12:32
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

I feel like a sheep, feeble and looking for a place to roam. Afraid of my own shadow. And, to think you have chosen me. You take pleasure in me? You have given me privilege in your kingdom?  God, what is your problem? Why would you? How could you?

Why do I ask all these questions? Why do I doubt? Why do I fear? Why can't I just allow you to love me? lead me? provide for me? utilize me in Your kingdom? After all, it is your pleasure. You take joy in my feeble attempts to follow, You take joy when I receive your blessing, You take joy when I embrace my place in the flock.

Loving you means understanding that I don't get to choose if or when I follow You or how I please You.  I am merely a sheep, and You are in control. Loosing control is not something to be feared; it is a blessing that comes with the Kingdom...but I am still terrified.

So I'll write it on my hand again, say it again, pray it again, read it again... and again.. and again. I shall not fear, I shall not hold on to control or anxiety. I shall take my place in the flock, following the Shepherd that delights in me. Once again, I declare...

Left my fear by the side of the road
Hear You speak
Won't let go
Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to pray

Got every reason to be here again
Father's love that draws me in
And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of You

All I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is you Lord - Hillsong

 All I need is You Lord. You draw me closer... and I can hearYou whisper "Be still my child for I am here. Be still little lamb. Do not be afraid... I am your staff, your comforter... I love you. I have an incredible plan for you. It is a surprise,  so just be patient. I have so much in store for your life, your future... you'll see so much of my Kingdom. Soon you'll be ready... oh how I delight in you... little one, little feeble one... don't you realize how strong I have made you? Do not fear. Come closer.... I'm here."

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."
 

I know I need to understand this truth and guard it in my heart. I hope that anyone who stumbles across this passage will be blessed by it and the Father who cherishes them.

For an awesome exposition of this passage, check out John Gill's commentary below...



"Fear not little flock
these words are particularly directed to the immediate apostles and disciples of Christ; but are true of all the saints in all ages of time, who are compared to a "flock of sheep", being separated from the rest of the world in election, redemption, and the effectual calling, and being folded together in a Gospel church state; and also for their patience, meekness, humility, and harmlessness: these are a "little" flock; few in number, when compared with the wicked of the world; and mean and despicable in the account of men; and little in their own eyes: these are subject to many "fears"; some relate to their outward state, and condition, as that they shall want food and raiment, and not have the necessaries of life; which seems to be in the first place here intended, as appears from the context: and some regard their spiritual and eternal estate, as lest they should have no interest in the love of God, and in the covenant, in the blessings and promises of his grace; lest they should not belong to Christ; or the good work of grace should not be begun in them; or that they should not persevere to the end, and should at last miscarry of eternal life and happiness: and these fears arise from a body of sin, from the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and the prevalence of unbelief; for they have no true reason for them: God is on their side, and will not leave, nor forsake them, nor shall they want any good thing Christ is their shepherd, and he has bought them, with his own blood, and will lose none of them; and therefore they need not fear being taken care of both in soul and body, for time and eternity...

for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom;
not only the Gospel, and the knowledge of the mysteries of it; nor the Gospel church state, and a right to all its ordinances; nor only the kingdom of grace, which cannot be moved; but the kingdom of glory: and which is a gift unto them, not obtained by any deserts or works of theirs; nor is their right unto, and enjoyment of it depending upon any such thing: and it their Father's gift, who is so by adopting grace, and through Christ Jesus their Lord; and which he gives according to his sovereign will and pleasure, and with a good will, delighting in them, and rejoicing over them to do them good, both here and hereafter: so that they may depend upon every good thing needful for them both in this world, and in the world to come; nor should they indulge anxious cares, or slavish fears." - John Gill's exposition


These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Facebook
  • Tweet It! Share On Google Buzz !