Written By: Misty Keith
Matthew 10:31
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (ESV)
Birds are fascinating little creatures. They fly, sing, peck, hunt, gather, swim, soar, build, protect and war. Not to mention, they do all things while looking more beautiful than ever and without ever even complaining.
Just how intriguing are these little creatures? Birds have been created with a purpose and are faithful to their calling. Have you ever conducted a search or studied the word “sparrow?” There are so many different types of sparrows that you could read and learn about them for days and never run out of new birds to learn about or study.
One might think after conducting a search on them, that the word sparrow is just another word for bird. But this is simply not the case. Sparrow is only one species in the taxonomic or taxonomy order. There are hundreds and thousands of different types of birds.
Just within the sparrow family alone we see some of the following different types: old world sparrows and new world sparrows, Green-backed sparrows, White-eared ground sparrows, Black-striped sparrows, Clay-colored sparrows, Field sparrows, Vesper sparrows, Large-billed sparrows, Seaside sparrows, Fox sparrows, Grasshopper sparrows, Swamp sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco sparrows and the list could go on… with not even coming close to all that is encompassed within this species of the Passerine Order.…..
In our imperfections, we humans tend to follow the line of thinking and believing that since there are so many types of sparrows, when one goes missing; it is not missed or valued. If we are not careful, that same train of thought or line of inner reasoning carries over into the way we see and feel about ourselves. We must remember though, this is not the case with God. God does not value humans the same way that we humans value each other or ourselves.
If the Bible gives verification that not even one sparrow is shut out of God’s divine care or His provision, then how much more worth are those made in His own image?
Matthew 6:26 (ESV) says “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Further, the passing of that which God created comes into notice with Him and His divine providence.
Luke 12:6 (ESV) says “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”
If the Lord could be so detailed in the creation of just one species of bird, how much of more value has He given to us that which He created in His own image?
God’s divine guidance and care reaches and extends to all creatures; all their actions, including every minute detail. Humanity, being His creation is indispensable. We humans are God’s greatest masterpiece, created in His image to do good works. Knowing this full well and up front is good for all, especially for those who put their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Matthew Henry once said “This God, who has such an eye to the sparrows, because they are His creatures, much more will have an eye to you, who are His children.”
Other creatures were made for man and put under his feet (Psalm 8:6-8), but the disciples of Jesus Christ are the excellent ones of the earth. Jesus loves us.
While not forgetting that our parents love us and nurture us, they, in all their love, do not even come close to the love Jesus has for us. Jesus knows how many hairs we have on our head. He knows our inward thoughts and innermost being. He loves us so much that He died in our place. Rarely is one willing to do such a thing. Yet, Jesus sought forgiveness for those who persecuted Him as He took our place, petitioning the Father on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins. He is reliable. He values us greatly.
Lastly, there is a command written at the beginning of Matthew 10:31 which are two important words for all believers. “Fear not.” Don’t be afraid. Trust God. There is enough doctrine of God’s providence to silence every fear of God’s people. (Psalm38:12-15; 64:4,7). We are called to adhere to the command. God is trustworthy. He cares for us deeply and can be trusted always and without reservation. If He can be trusted with the care of an entire species of birds, how much more can He care for those He created most like Himself!
Our value is worth so much to our Lord. It always has been and always will be. Let us not take one single breath, moment or day for granted.
In Him,
Misty
About Misty:
Uniquely Yours Ministries 