We're living in dark times, literally seeing governments passing laws that are compelling speech. We're living through times when governments are compelling behavior to suit the corporations and special interests. And likewise we're living through an age when corporations are compelling our governments. Everything that has made our American nation and Constitution special and righteous is being subverted by the plutocracy. AND YET...God! In all that foggy bottom darkness we can still see God is good. His eternal concern for his creation is unending (eternal) by definition.
Friends,
The sparrow is the second most populous bird in the world. They are as common as common gets. They are everywhere. The gospel lesson in Matthew 10:29-31 that makes mention of these numerous tiny creatures blows my mind! It brings to my mind the sparrows in the razor wire that fascinate me every time I'm entering or exiting the prison for our Kairos ministry. Their freedom fascinates me, to see them effortlessly and constantly passing in and out of the deadly dangerous security systems and even building their nests among the razor wire coils. Not that I've ever noticed them sit still long enough to build that nest.
Beloved Friends,
I wanted to share a thought about just how deep this lesson really is. Our Almighty God, our Father in heaven, King of the Universe tells us that even the sparrows do not FALL to the ground without The Lord's notice. And I can't count how many times I've read that gospel message, but still didn't catch this particular point (I'm referring to the word "fall" ). Typically this lesson is interpreted to mean the (fall) death of the bird, but the word used "fall" in the Greek (peseitai) is more akin to alighting, or skipping. It's a word picture of the typical sparrow that flitters and skips here and there and everywhere all day long. Each sparrow alights probably at least 40,000 times a day (talk about getting your steps in). Yes the lesson speaks to the providence of God that extends to even the very smallest of His creatures, but imagine the truly mind blowing gravity of this situation.
Here's the lesson:
Matthew 10:29-31
Amplified Bible - This is Jesus speaking
"Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered [for the Father is sovereign and has complete knowledge]. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."
Some study's estimate that the House Sparrows alone make up about 1.6 billion in numbers around the world. And if each of these tiny creatures flitters and skips 40,000 times a day (figuring they alight every other second throughout the day), that would mean 64,000,000,000,000 times (64 trillion) a day God takes notice that sparrows have alighted somewhere on the earth. AND THATS JUST THE SPARROWS!
What's the point of all this math?
Whatever hazards you may run through, go on with your work proclaiming the good news. Our enemies don't simply mean harm to the message, they desire the suppression of that voice. And they'll never stop. No amount of tolerance will every really be appreciated enough to appease them. You've got to stay committed and DO NOT WORRY. And please please please notice that you are not alone. God is everywhere. He's in everything. And he's taking notice...OF EVERY DETAIL. Continue in your faith, pray for God's aid and assistance. And never quit speaking the truth. And like the sparrow, simply trust God to order and witness our steps.
This independence holiday, let us strive to heed these words from one of our most respected founders:
“Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I move that prayer imploring the assistance of Heaven be held every morning before we proceed to business.” - Benjamin Franklin