We have a massive wild fig tree in our yard. Apart from the many birds that visit when the tree has fruit, it is home to a family of hadidahs that roost in its branches, raise chicks year after year, and feast on the bounty of worms in our lawn. Hadidahs are big birds, visible and vocal. They are expressive in their ways and there is no missing their presence in our neighbourhood!

My dog loves to chase the hadidahs when they feed in the mornings. They fly off, just in time, with loud squawks of protest. It’s all a game, really, nothing personal!

But what about sparrows? In my area of experience, these are very small, opportunistic birds that take advantage of food sources around grocery stores and restaurants. They hop nimbly between cars and even shoppers, without a sound, pecking up the smallest morsels to nourish their tiny bodies. Unlike hadidahs that need big food, these little creatures get along well on scraps.

God has things to say about sparrows in His Word. It seems that He loves sparrows. Let’s look at a few examples.

Psalms 84:3 NIV
[3] “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.”

Well, would you look at that! Sparrows in God’s dwelling place! God allowed this little bird to nest in His temple! No human was ever permitted to make the temple his home, literally. There was no place in the temple for squatters to camp…but sparrows and swallows, yes!

What does this say about God? He cares about the tiniest, most insignificant of His little birds.

Jesus amplified this thought in His encouragement to His disciples to trust the Father…

Matthew 10:29 NLT
[29] “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.”

If God knows about the smallest detail of a nestling sparrow, how much more does He know and care about people whom He made in His image.

Matthew 6:26 NLT
[26]”Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

No matter what we think, Jesus attributed even the care of birds and animals to a loving God.

Psalms 147:8-9 NLT
[8]”He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. [9] He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry.”

Incidentally, how often I have read about or watched video clips about caring people who have rescued abandoned or trapped animals, some even at the risk of their own lives. Was that God putting them there at the right moment?

Sparrows, in Hebrew culture, had their uses. They were permitted as food or sacrifice for poor people who could not afford more.

According to Google, during Bible times, sacrifices were offered at the Temple. Sparrows were actually sold for this purpose.

God and baby sparrows are worlds apart. As humans, we don’t care very much about baby birds that fall from nests, or sparrows that peck around our vehicles, or even hadidahs that dig worms out of our lawns…but God does! Imagine that!

So, Jesus said, why should we be so concerned about tomorrow? There is another concern of much greater importance than food and clothing.

Matthew 6:25, 28-33 NLT
[25] “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?…
[28] “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, [29] yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. [30] And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [31] “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Our concerns that consume us, about food and clothing are not legitimate as God’s sons and daughters. As God’s beloved children, we need to change our perspective and pay more attention to what really matters, God’s kingdom and God’s glory. If we take care of His business, He promises to take care of ours.

To be continued….