Worth more than many sparrows

"Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

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Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to drive out evil spirits, heal disease and sickness, and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven has come. He predicts persecution to come and instructs them to fear God, not man. He doesn't remove the prospect of fear entering into the lives of the disciples; he expects it and warns them that it will come. 

But, instead of focusing on the fear of man, Jesus reminds them to fear God, and God alone.

Even the sparrows (who are very cheap to purchase) have their lives ordained by God. How much more then, will God take our lives into consideration. And His promise is that we "are worth more than many sparrows."

Fear of man, the world, can drive us to live irrationally. It causes us to store up defenses and treasures that will make us feel like we will be protected. It will cause us to trust in the abilities of man, instead of God, to provide us security and safety. Fear of man will cause us to live timidly, and be unable to declare that Christ is the answer. 

I am fearful - there is a lot in the world today, and in my life, that causes me anxiety. God's reminder to me is that yes, there will be things to be fearful of. But He knows the number of hairs on my head, He says I am worth more than many sparrows. So be bold, don't give in to the pressures of the world to live a life conformed to the patterns of the world, but be bold, be willing to bear the love of Christ to the world around me.

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Lord, there is much to be fearful of. The world does not seem to be getting any better; in fact, it seems like year after year, the situation in the world grows more dire every day. I feel at times, powerless and unable to make sense of all that is going on. Life in my own personal sphere has its ups and downs, mountain tops and valleys. The burden of fatherhood and being a provider (amongst other things) sometimes grows very heavy and weary on my heart and shoulders. Yet, Lord, you will give me strength. You will provide your comfort and the assurance of your presence, in the midst of my fears. You give me the authority to be different in this world, uniquely made to present Christ to a broken world. Lord, help me to be bold in my faith but also in the way I choose to live. May I present Christ to anyone, anytime, anywhere. To my family, my peers, and my workplace. Lord, may I be bold enough to even ask for these opportunities in public, yes, even now, many years removed from active, full-time ministry. Lord, do something new in my life and help me to follow You, faithfully. 

Keep me faithful; keep me humble; make my heart soft and yearning for Christ, more and more.

In Jesus' name, amen.