Matthew 10:26-42; Leviticus 9; Leviticus 10; Proverbs 23

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV)

Jesus sought to calm the possible fear His disciples might deal with. Would they be arrested and appear before people who could put them to death? Perhaps, but they shouldn’t fear someone who could kill the body, but not the soul. Ah, perhaps they should reserve their fear for the devil who can kill both body and soul? In response to that issue, Jesus made it clear that God the Father knows and understands. Sparrows may be sold cheaply in the market, but God knows when they fall. God knows us better than we know ourselves. Don’t believe me? Quick, how many hairs are there on your head? (Perhaps some of you will have to think back to another time to answer that question.) God knows the answer to that question. He loves and cares for you and He recognizes that you are worth far more than a bunch of sparrows. The key is that if God recognizes that much worth in who we are, we have no reason to fear even the devil.

What do you fear? Are you worried about what other people think of you? Are you worried about your eternal destination? Afraid of heights? Or spiders? Whatever it is that you fear, God is greater. We may worry about how we’ll be received when we talk with others about the good news of Jesus. When those worries arise, we can trust God to take control. We don’t need to worry about what we say or even how people will react. We just need to keep showing them God’s love and trust God to deal with our worries.

Lord, I have to admit that I have trouble trusting You at times. I keep forgetting that You will guide me if I depend on You and that I need to keep sharing Your love with others. Continue to remind me that my life, my words, and my actions are in Your hand.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.