6“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7
This is a comparative statement. Jesus is using it to let us know how valuable we are to God. Jesus is not saying God doesn't care about sparrows. He is saying God cares more about us. So, I want to focus a little bit on the value of a sparrow to God. First I will not assume everyone knows what a sparrow is. A sparrow is a small, common, dull bird. Five sparrows for two pennies is really cheap.
Yet, Jesus is saying not one sparrow will fall to the ground without God knowing, without God counting. God will remember that sparrow. We don't care about the sparrow; we don't pay attention, but God does. He sees and he keeps track. He sorrows.
We often lose sight of one fact, the earth is God's garden. Sometimes we forget that the earth and all of the living beings on this planet belong to God. Sometimes we forget that God cares for his creation. Scripture is clear that God sustains the creation, feeds the animals and tends the plants. Jesus upholds all things by his word, Hebrews 1:3. Because the Bible is focused on God's redemption of man, we miss the glimpses of God's care for his creation. God's care of man does not exclude his care of his creation, see Romans 8:21.
The fact is God cares very much, but, as Jesus tells us here, "you are more valuable than many sparrows." Although we spoiled God's garden, still He has worked out our salvation and the restoration of the creation and the glorification of it all at the same time.
Jesus' point is that that if God cares so much about the least of his creation, then do not doubt God cares for you. You are far more valuable to God that sparrows, yet, he remembers them all; how much more is He mindful of you and me.
When was the last time you bothered to count the hairs on your head? Yet, God always has your number! He knows your rising up and your laying down. Before you speak, he already knows what you say. So, next time you wonder if God is paying attention, remember the little sparrow and doubt not. God cares about the least in His creation, the little minnow no one sees and all the species that have gone extinct. God care about everything. But he care much more about you and me.
I am glad God cares. It means everything I do matters to Him. And whatever happens to me, knows and it matter greatly to Him.
Turn to Psalm 139 and meditation of the message David has for us there.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor MacDonald