Sermon for Trinity 15. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:256:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.

Jesus draws a line. After telling us not to worry about food, drink, or clothing or anything else we need for this life, Jesus adds, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Last week, we considered how thankfulness looks back to the good gifts of God in the past. Well, worry does the opposite and looks at the unknown, bad things in the future.

Tomorrow is clouded in the unknown, but tomorrow is also clothed with the promises of God to be with us, to never leave or forsake us, to provide all that we need, and to protect us with His power and might. God will care for us. But that doesn’t mean that we should be lazy or idle.

That is why Jesus draws a line for us. The things that God sets before us today are the things that should have our attention. We are to do everything God gives us to do to confront and combat those evils each day God gives us. Jesus wants us to go about our business and exert our efforts as God gives us the strength we need for every moment of today. But when Jesus says, “Do not worry about tomorrow,” He draws a line at the end of today. Anything past that line, we leave in His gracious hands.