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Sunday, April 29, 2012

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

 

 

IMG_1296 House Sparrow1

 

 

 

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. 10:27-31).

"Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price -- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple (cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is insignificant!

God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for man?

Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

 

God Does Not Always Prevent Evil From Happening To Us

Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

God's Care Continues For Us

We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek to find security in the things they have accumulated for the future.

Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Conclusion

In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me?"

On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement to many of God's people:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the "riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).       

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by David Padfield

 

 

 

IMG_3146 Sparrow 2

 

 

I found this very encouraging and hope those of you who take the time to read it will be encourage also.

Hope all is well and you all have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

13 comments:

  1. Very interesting Dianne. We have so many Sparrows here in Calgary. In fact we had some move into the bathroom vent in my house! At first I did not mind but later had a most terrible smell in the house. (one had died)
    Upon removing the nest (had no choice) I found the nest to be 4 feet long very deep within my house! Not the most colorful birds but I find them beautiful. I wish I could have provided a home for them but it just did not work out..

    Cheers, thanks for sharing your thoughts & photos.

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  2. Stopping to see the things that we'd normally pass by in a rush does tend to make one slow down and notice the incredible design of our Maker. It's a logical and scriptural conclusion to realize that since God cares for these things that He would care much more for us. I appreciate this today Dianne, thank you!

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  3. A very moving post Deanne. Thank you!

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  4. The written words of David Padfield I found very inspirational along with each message you have placed here from the Bible.
    Praying your day is blessed , unhurried and very peaceful.
    I love the little bird also
    xo

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa. Mrs. Civilla Martin wrote the song or hymn called," His Eye Is On The Sparrow", and the article was written by David Padfield. I came across it when I was looking for the words to the song. I read the artical and was very touched by what I read and just had to share it. But I did take the photos. :)

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    2. Hi, I know you did take the photos. You always do and I love them
      Have a wonderful week Dianne.
      xo

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  5. I'm inspired, Dianne! Thank you!

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  6. I think sparrows are lovely.

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    1. I think Sparrows are lovely also Gail. There are so many different kinds of Sparrows and I think they are all Beautiful little birds, and I love their song. They always sound so cheerful. :)

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  7. Dianne, This is a beautiful post! I very much needed this reminder. Your timing is amazing! I read every word and will read it again later with hubby. Thank you for this heart felt post.
    Hope you are having a wonderful day.
    Love,
    Marie

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  8. Hi Dianne,

    Yes I am encouraged, by this excellent blog, thank you. It is just the confirmation I need to hear today.

    Blessings to you and yours - Hugs Nita.

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  9. I read those words in the title and the song instantly runs through my mind and I picture myself in the church I grew up in, windows open, spring air flowing through... Christ present. Lovely

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  10. This is truly Lovely Dianne , and also my garden was awash with Sparrows yesterday. Which in turn brought joy to my garden, and my heart.
    Hugs Sheila xx

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