ODJ: no fear
September 9, 2011
Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! (Luke 12:24).
READ: Matthew 10:29-31
The other day I stopped at a service station to fill up my car’s gas tank. When I went inside to pay, I noticed a little sparrow hopping around on the windowsill next to the cashier. She told me the sparrow had flown into the window a few days earlier and injured its wing. So she had brought it inside to give it a chance to mend.
It was obvious that the fragile bird was frightened. But a caring woman had taken him under her wing, providing him shelter and a place to heal.
Shortly after my encounter with the little bird, I thought of the discussion about sparrows that Jesus had with His twelve disciples. He mentioned the small birds as He was sending the men out to represent Him officially to the people of Israel (Matthew 10). It was a dangerous mission that would put them in harm’s way. He knew the Jewish religious leaders would malign and persecute them just as they did Him. In light of that fact, He said to them, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves” (v.16).
Understanding that the disciples naturally would be afraid, Jesus then told them about the sparrows. He said, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (vv.29-31).
Jesus’ point was simple. Since God makes it His business to consider the welfare of little birds, He will also look after those who follow Him. Is God sending you down a difficult path? Remember the sparrows and walk without fear. Your heavenly Father will look after you. —Jeff Olson
When do you tend to fear man more than God? How do Jesus’ words about the sparrows encourage you today?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: no kill shelter
November 1, 2009 Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do (v.12). READ: Matthew 9:9-13 Dogtown, the focus of a television show by the same title, is part of a 33,000-acre animal sanctuary in southern Utah. It’s a “no kill shelter” where dogs that might otherwise be put down, find hope. A devoted staff of trainers, [...]
ODJ: one lost coin
February 14, 2012 Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin (v.9). READ: Luke 15:8-10 Where’s that brown envelope I left on the kitchen table?” I asked my daughter. “On the dining room table,” she said. It wasn’t on that table, so I began a frantic search throughout the entire house—from the kitchen to [...]
ODJ: sinners alike
May 5, 2010 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself (2:1). READ: Romans 1:16-2:3 As my husband and I sat with our children at the 4th of July fireworks, two [...]
ODJ: spouse for sale
February 10, 2010 How distinguished the king of Israel looked today (v.20). READ: 2 Samuel 6:16-22 Recently, I read an article about a 38-year-old guy who offered his wife for sale. I wondered, what would drive a man to sell his spouse to the highest bidder? Then, I read his advertisement: “Nagging wife. No tax, very [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米