Are you intimately valued and cared for by God, or just a part of His flock?
4/7/2009
As I was walking, I looked down and saw what I thought was a lifeless heap with red ants all over it. I looked closer, and then realized it was a baby bird, which had just gotten feathers on it. My heart broke when I saw the red ants all over it, but then I thought, “It’s dead.” As I was thinking it was dead -its feet and head started to move. It looked so pathetic, as it lay on its back with red ants on it! (Even thinking of it now breaks my heart.) I immediately picked the little sparrow up and brushed the ants off. I then gently held it, as I headed home. As I walked I reflected on how much God cares for this bird, and aches because of it’s suffering too. (Remember we are only able to love and care, because we are created in God’s image. Genesis 1:27 also Romans 1:20)
If you are struggling with whether God really cares for you in a personal and intimate way, remember He knows you so thoroughly He has numbered your hairs on your head. He cared for that little sparrow, but He cares way more for you as you suffer.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)
Yes, God valued that baby bird, but remember He values you infinitely more! How do you and I know that? It is because we were the reason He endured the cross. We are His joy!
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame… Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
As Good Friday and Easter are almost upon us, meditate on how great God’s love is for you by reading: Isaiah 53, Romans 8:31-39 and 1 John 4:9-10.
Because of His death and resurrection, Gini