‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Today I am considering the sparrows. And not that I’m better than a sparrow, but that God loves sparrows. He also dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor, and, you are of more value than many sparrows , even the hairs of your head are all numbered!
Is it because we’re bigger? I don’t know what gives humans more value then sparrows. Indeed the birds never disobey God, as far as I can tell. The Lily goes and grows and has great value to God. They reflect his glory in their beauty, in their coat.
Perhaps it is our great need, or neediness, that gives us value? With humans, many of us reflect something different than the birds and flowers, even to disfigure our bodies and disregard or distort any natural beauty we may have. Indeed, we can and often do disobey our Creator, often we totally ignore His very presence, to the point of denying His existence. Worse than that, we tragically disregard, or never gain the knowledge, that our Father loves us so, to care for us throughout our entire life.
Not many years ago I became interested in the birds, bought 3 bird feeders, and took their pictures in their wild. I noticed some of their trends. When one blue bird flew suddenly, many birds would follow.. Often, the more aggressive birds, scared the smaller birds, dominating the feeders. Regardless, the little birds came back to the feeders when the opportunity was there. A few birds spent many minutes on the feeders, but most spent only a few seconds, to retreat to a hidden place in a tree or Bush.
Joseph Benson remarks, “The particular providence of God is another reason for your not fearing man.” “In other words, the meanest of God’s creatures are under the protection of his providence, insomuch that nothing befalls them without its direction; and therefore your enemies cannot touch even your bodies without your heavenly Father’s permission.” ‘Fear ye not therefore — Lest ye should be overlooked or neglected, ye, my rational and immortal creatures, especially ye my children, adopted and regenerated …”
Even with the battles of life, we must not see these as battles for our very existence. We have a promise from God, “fear not.” We have value higher than those creatures whom God is feeding daily. Divine providence worketh, my friends. Much too often men and women attribute favor from God to be a reward for their good deeds or A certification of their sincere diligence. A deceptive evaluation.
In Psalm 73 Asaph was troubled by the prosperity of the wicked:
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Psalm73:4-12
Asaph remarks in his despair, “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. ” Plagued by the discrepancy, Asaph questions the providence of God. But:
“I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places …”Psalm73:17-18
With this remarkable illumination of mind by the Holy Spirit, Asaph continues, “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Psalm 73:22
Regret at our miscalculations and ignorance is common. But a conclusion reassures him:
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psalm 73:23-24
In conclusion our author reflects,
” Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. “Psalm73:25-26
He concludes, “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:27-28
Eyes on the prize, we should focus, yes we must focus, or the world can be a great distraction for us . As much as we are in this world, nevertheless, we are not of this world. And with the fear of overstating the issue, we always must reckon that the world is lying to us.
Hebrews 11:8 teaches, ” By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. “
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13 love ya
