You Are of More Value than a Whole Flock of Sparrows

Matthew 10 recounts Jesus preparing the twelve disciples for a mission to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”

Jesus warns the disciples that they will face persecution form His detractors, and even death, but He also assures them that they have God’s protection and should not be afraid. Minute details in the lives of all God's creatures are according His providence. The Father knows and cares about about it all.

An insignificant occurrence in the life of a mere sparrow is significant to the Father, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” And His care and concern for His children, who are made in His image to represent Him on earth, are even greater – “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

These assurances are absolute proof that nothing happens in the life of a child of God apart from the Father’s knowledge and providence.  No enemy can touch even our bodies, no weapon formed against us will succeed without our heavenly Father’s permission. 

With this knowledge every child of God could exercise continuous dependence on the Father in all circumstances and situations, but more especially when we are serving in His Kingdom. We can toss every doubt, concern and care firmly at the feet of Him who cares so perfectly for us, and as much about our impact on His lost sheep.

When we minister or serve in God’s Kingdom we are not working alone. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit works together with us to guarantee Jesus’ command that His gospel reaches the lost in all the world is carried out.

For this reason, we are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

For this reason His Providence will watch over us.

 “The heavenly source of all our supplies for the battle and the journey of life pleads for our trust in Jesus. In ourselves we have no resources. The weapons of our warfare and the supplies of our necessities–our ammunition and our nourishment–all are in Christ. And the life we live as warriors and as pilgrims must be a life of continuous coming to, and trusting in, a full Christ, an all-sufficient Savior.” Octavius Winslow (1808 – 1878)

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, Almighty God, who is our Portion and Deliverer! Thank you Father for the honor to serve your people and for your provision and protection that enable us to do so. Thank you for being the wisdom that counsels us, the power that keeps us, the love that soothes us, the grace that sanctifies us, and your providence that gives us confidence and makes us glad all the days of our lives.  Thank you for your WORD that is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path…there you provide all that we need. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile