But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
We are into the time of year when changes and transitions are taking place, along with the appropriate ceremonies, family gatherings, and celebratory events. Here in our congregation, we’ll acknowledge our high school graduates and send our good wishes with them as they head off to college and all the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. The next Sunday, a group of younger students will participate in the Rite of Confirmation, and as they affirm the promises made on their behalf at Baptism, they are acknowledged as adult members, not only at St. Andrew but also as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church around the world.
In the course of thinking about these important milestones, I thought of my own confirmation, and the Bible that was given to each of my classmates at the beginning of our studies. It’s in pretty sorry shape now, having gone to not only two years of classes, but also to church camp, Luther League and other youth events, off to college and the various places I lived after that. On the flyleaf is an inscription including the reference to the verse above.
Looking at this verse as it stands alone, the term “all these things” seems to be in need of some context. I’ve thought to myself that something so broad and vague is not especially meaningful. But on further study, and going back not only to the beginning of Chapter 6, I now realize how much substance there is, not only in this chapter, but in the entire Gospel of Matthew. So much is densely packed in, it just rolls along, including the beatitudes, the teachings in which Jesus tells his followers they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and a host of parables and life lessons. The early part of Chapter 6 contains the Lord’s Prayer, the importance of where our treasures are, and about trusting in God to provide our needs. In verses 25 – 32, we are told that the birds of the air have food, and the lilies of the field are clothed in beauty, so we can trust that God will care for us. That is what “all these things” refers to, and with that context, the message of these teachings is summed up.
Pastor Peterson (my confirmation pastor) may well have chosen this verse to keep me going in the right direction, and to give me the opportunity to do a little Bible Study if I had some questions. How thankful my classmates and I have been for this good pastor and teacher who gave us the tools to keep learning and maturing in the faith. It’s never a bad idea to remember that confirming isn’t graduating, it’s just a step in the journey.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Roger