Good morning,
One of the benefits of living where we do in California is that we live very close to an area that is known as the wetlands. Even during the dry years we have had recently, there are still areas where the land is swampy and wet all year long. During the cold months in other parts of America, water birds that need warm temperatures often fly here until it warms up again. When we drive through these areas we often see what looks like clouds of birds flying together as they look for food or water. Even when we are eating breakfast it is not at all uncommon to see ten or so sparrows swiftly hopping from place to place looking for food in the grass and hummingbirds dashing in and out off the yard in order to get sweet treats from the feeder we have hung up for them. What do you think, does each bird have a name?
While Jesus was teaching the large crowds around him he brought up a very important idea recorded in Luke 12. Jesus was surrounded by people who were needy and afraid. People then, like people now, lived lives filled with loneliness and fear. They came to Jesus for healing and for the feeling of safety and value that he gave them. Jesus brought up a very startling point. He asked, What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Then he said, Yet God does not forget a single one of them. Could it be that God has a name for every animal and bird like he has a name for every star in the heavens?(Psa.147:4) Wouldn’t God need a name to tell the difference between each one in the flock? Then he said, And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. If you think that statement is surprising, think of what he said next. I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.(vs.6-8) We know from what he has told us in Revelation that we will each have our own special name, and when he acknowledges us in the presence of God and his angels we will be identified as individuals, not as numbers or user names or password approved members of God’s eternal family.(Rev.2:17) I suspect that he may use our public name from here on earth, but whatever that name, we will wear it with joy and gratitude. Not only that, when that glorious time comes, we will not be overwhelmed by fear. We will be filled with gratitude and praise for the God who knows us and cares for us, no matter what circumstances we faced in our days here on earth under the dark clouds of our enemy's attacks.
Luke 12:6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows 8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.
Roy Wisner
