You Are Worth More Than Sparrows

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 so do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-31

When I first looked at the picture above, I marvelled at how beautiful the robin looked, set against the white snow. Then I realized it had found some berries amongst the cold snow.

Was its foot in mid-air, ready to bounce the branch to knock more snow off to obtain all the berries?

The picture above reminded me of a much less beautiful bird - a sparrow. In the bible, in Matthew chapter 10, Jesus talks about 2 sparrows. He tells his followers how not one sparrow will fall to the ground without God knowing about it. He also goes on to say that even the hairs on our heads are numbered! He tells us not to be afraid, because we are worth more than many sparrows.

If Jesus cares for a small, plain old brown sparrow, then he certainly cares for us, but sometimes we can struggle to believe how much God loves us, especially when it’s cold and dark during winter.  Occasionally, we can be tempted to stay up late, snuggled in our onesie or oodie, in front of our phone, tablet, or the TV. We can become overtired. It’s not long before a downward mental spiral starts happening in our minds.  Lying negative thoughts come flooding in. Does anyone really care? Does God really love me?

YES! God, who cares for plain old brown sparrows, who knows how many hairs are on YOUR head, (and how many hairs you’re losing!) He knows you inside out. In Psalm 139 it says:

Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me!

 You know when I sit down and when I rise up

 You discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

 And are acquainted with all my ways.

 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold,

 Oh Lord, you know it altogether.

If you’re full of cold, stressed or overtired for whatever reason, snuggle down in your onesie or oodie, and read and meditate on the verses above. You are known by God, you are loved more than sparrows or robins. He knows how many hairs you have on your head. He knows when you sit down and rise up.

You- are known- and loved- by God

Prayer

Jesus, thank-you for creating our inmost being, we praise you because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for showing us so clearly how much you care. Thank you for robins and sparrows! Amen!