October 16th - Matthew 10:29-31

Matthew 10:29-31 [Jesus 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. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Jesus had just been spelling out what life was going to be like for his disciples. He made it clear that it was going to be really tough and that they would find themselves in situations of conflict and danger. But he wanted them to step out with confidence because God knew them perfectly and would always protect them. He made the point by referring to sparrows; surely God couldn’t be that bothered with them. But, in fact, Jesus told the disciples, not even a single sparrow could fall to the ground without God knowing all about it. In short, nothing gets past God. He knows the whole story of our lives and so we can head into our future with complete confidence, knowing that God not only knows all about us, but cares for us, too. We all have some parts of our lives that are mundane and repetitive. Frankly, it is very hard to imagine that God is aware of – or interested in - those daily tasks. But he is. No part of our life is outside God’s knowledge and concern. Many people look to the future with fear as it seems so full of uncertainty and threat. Wherever we look in the world there is much that could make us anxious. The pandemic woke us up to the danger from viruses. Violence is a perpetual threat in all societies and in some parts of the world is tearing countries apart. And we live with the ever-present threat from climate change, which is disrupting so many people’s lives and livelihoods. The list is seemingly endless, but none of these things needs to cause us anxiety if we just look at the sparrows and remind ourselves that our heavenly Father, who knows every detail of their lives, can be relied upon to care for us, whatever the future brings. Question What is your own response to all the threats which exist in the world today? Prayer Loving Father, thank you that you know every detail of my life, and care for me perfectly both now and for ever. Amen