More Than Many Sparrows

 

 Luke 12:1-7

 Warnings and Encouragements

12 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Can we visualize this scene of thousands of people crushing each other to get a closer look at Jesus, to her him better or be cured by him? He tells the crowd, and us, to beware of hypocrisy and not to be afraid. If God takes care of the tiny sparrows, he will certainly take care of us who are worth more than many sparrows.  We need these words of encouragement today with two wars going on, empty churches, and selfishness growing ever more rampant.  Not a pretty picture. These words of Jesus speak to our times when the Evil One seems to be making a permanent foothold and pushing aside all that we consider sacred. If we give into FEAR, the Devi will succeed, but if we listen to Jesus, we shall overcome. Indeed, if the sparrows survive why won't we? Aren't we worth more than many sparrows?

Bro. Rene

Dear God, increase our trust in your loving care, and do not let us succumb to FEAR, the major tool of the Evil One. Amen.