“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:28-31
Sometimes God seems like he must be far off, far removed from my personal issues and problems. The world, no, the universe is so immense, so expansive, and God must govern and rule all of it. So, can I really expect him to recognize me and my troubles? As well, the problems of the world dwarf my problems. Think of those suffering from COVID-19, or cancer, or other horrible diseases. Think of the recent rioting, murders, the looting of businesses, the burning of neighborhoods. Then there are wars and constant threats between the nations. God has huge problems to watch over in the world! How can I expect God is even aware of me?
But Jesus taught that we should not think that way. The truth is that God knows, and he knows you like a father knows his sons and daughters. Even more than that, God even knows each sparrow that falls to the ground. God not only knows you, but he knows exactly how many hairs are on your head.
“So don’t be afraid,” Jesus said. Do not even be afraid of that which threatens death. Nothing can happen to you apart from God’s knowledge. And he has shown you how much he loves you by the cross of Christ. Live your life unafraid. If you must fear something, then fear the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell. But that One is the one who died for you on the cross and promises you forgiveness and eternal life. He has gone to prepare a place for you in the Father’s House. What do you have to be afraid of?
The sparrows must, eventually, fall to the ground. But not outside God’s care. We too must fail and die one day. But not outside of God’s care. Even death is nothing to fear, because God is with you. When it is time for you to go home, you will be in God’s care. You are worth more than many sparrows! He will take you up and carry you safely home.
God knows you. After all, he knows every sparrow and every hair on your head. He knows and cares about your problems. He has them all in his care. Trust in him who loved you so much that he gave his only begotten son to die for you on the cross. “If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” -Romans 8:31-32
Find a sparrow today and smile! Run your hand through your hair (or where your hair used to be!) and remember that God has numbered each one.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth. -Psalm 145:18
-Pastor Anderson