The reason I chose this scripture out of the Message Bible is because of its poetic style. Delicate sparrows seem best fitted in the framework that the Message Bible provides.
The thought of God meeting the needs of a little insignificant sparrow gives me great confidence that my needs will also be met. This scripture is a constant reminder that I am never out of God’s mind.
Unfortunately the world is filled with people who feel unloved and insignificant. They feel that if they were not here, they would not be missed. I have seen that look on many old folks in nursing homes, the homeless and on the faces of little ones in an orphanage. I suppose I could imagine how those folks may feel unwanted and insignificant. The thing that really bothers me is when I look on the faces of people in a crowded church and see that same look of being unwanted and insignificant. After all…we are supposed to be the ones with the answers to such problems.
I think I understand—at least to some degree—how many of these folks feel. I remember some time ago, still being a young preacher, going through an experience that seemed to have no real solution. I started driving around out in the country and asking God what I should do. I parked my car under a big old tree and put my head across the steering wheel and prayed for a long time. When I finished praying I looked up and sitting on the end of a rotten limb in front of my windshield was a little sparrow. This little sparrow just sat there staring through the windshield at me.
My entire perspective was instantly changed concerning my present problem as well as future problems. The voice of the Lord seemed to speak to me through the presence of that little sparrow and reminded me of scriptures such as our text, as well as the Matthew 10:29-31KJV passage.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
From that time I have never doubted that God is with me and cares for my well being.
I have also dedicated my life to share the sparrow story with others who feel hopeless, unwanted and insignificant. If God has His eye on the sparrow then how much more does He have His eye on those He made in His image such as you and me.
Father,
I pray you will help us all to be the sparrow sitting on the end of a rotten limb for another discouraged hopeless soul. Father sometimes it is not what we say, but it is our presence that you speak through. Thank you Father for allowing us to be your hands extended to others in need.
Amen
Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive!
Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. GOD of the Angel Armies! King! God! Palms 83:2-3 Message Bible
Apostle John Dean Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved
Alliance International Ministries