Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. — Matthew 10:31
One Sunday morning at church, we sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” as a congregational hymn. It was a rare opportunity to give voice to a song usually performed by a soloist.
During the first chorus, I noticed a friend who was weeping so hard that he couldn’t sing. Knowing a bit of what he had been through recently, I recognized his tears as ones of joy at realizing that, no matter what our situation, God sees, knows, and cares for us.
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31). The Lord spoke these words to His 12 disciples as He sent them out to teach, heal, and bear witness of Him to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (v. 6). He told them that even though they would face persecution for His sake, they should not be afraid, even of death (vv. 22-26).
When threatening circumstances press us to lose hope, we can find encouragement in the words of this song, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” We are under His watchful care. — David McCasland
If God sees the sparrow’s fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not then care for you? — Anon.
READ: Matthew 10:16-31
When you put your cares in God’s hands, He puts His peace in your heart.
The Bible in one year:
• Psalms 4-6
• Acts 17:16-34