What did Jesus just say? (Mt 6:19-24)  “You cannot serve both God and Mammon.”  Its interesting that this is capitalized in some versions of Scripture.  Its as if Jesus is giving this term godlike power or characteristics.  Jesus doesn’t make a wishy washy statement.  There is a choice to me.  Almost an echo of Joshua 24 where Joshua says to the people before entering the promised land filled with other ‘gods’ to be worshipped, “Choose today whom you will serve!”

Our passage for Sunday continues Jesus train of teaching with a “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…”  (Matthew 6:25-34)  Now that’s interesting.  Its as if Jesus is saying, “You cannot serve both God and worry/anxiety.”  Talk about a challenge!  Anxiety/worry are powerfully ‘controlling substances.’  It seeks to have us.  Within days or seconds of affirming and knowing God’s ultimate promise of care and love for us, we quickly turn to anxiety and worry.

In our text for Sunday (Matthew 6:25-34) there are at least 8 reasons Jesus uses to counter or worrisome and anxious ways.  8 Reasons in only 10 verses.  Read these words from Jesus and make a list – come ready to dive in on Sunday!  Also, make a list of the things that you fret over, worry about, and become anxious about on a regular basis.  List those as well.  We are going to do something with these worries and anxieties as a community this Sunday in church.

See you at the altar,

Pastor Mark