Daily Reading: Luke 12
Scripture Focus: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12.6-7)
Devotional Thought: In Luke 11, we learned that in Jesus’ day two sparrows were sold for a penny. Today, we read about quantity discounts: Five sparrows were sold for two pennies! But, the message was the same. God sees the sparrow, and God sees you.
Jesus warned his disciples that there would be people who did not appreciate their testimony for him. They would be ridiculed and rejected. That is true in today’s world, too, isn’t it? But, Jesus’ message to us is the same as it was to them: Fear not! It was a message that he could share from experience.
This time of year, our minds often go to Christmas, remembering how Jesus was born a helpless Babe. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, became vulnerable: to King Herod’s jealous intent, to disease and sickness, to politics and power, to religious elites and demon-possessed. But through it all, he had God’s eye and ear: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me” (John 11.41-42).
Jesus was not only vulnerable, he was dependent. He depended upon his mother’s body to feed and nourish him for 9 months. He depended upon wise men to finance his family’s trip to safety in Egypt. He depended upon a step-father to clothe and shelter him as he grew. He depended upon a band of well-to-do women to support his ministry. More than that, however, he depended upon his heavenly Father to guide him. He wouldn’t do anything apart from the will of God.
We avoid vulnerability and dependence, don’t we? But, Jesus left the security and comfort of heaven to do the Father’s will. He trusted God, and so can we. Fear not!
Prayer: Lord, to you I am worth more than many sparrows. This world judges my worth by my beauty, my profitability, my skill, but you see me as your precious child. I thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 139.1-6
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
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