More Value than Sparrows

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.  Matthew 10:24-33

We stood and watched the ocean, turbulent and moving. The gulls screamed and glided above, as the waves shot water over the sea wall. We were drenched, bathed in the autumn warm sun and the gift of the ocean's sights and sounds. In moments like these, I marvel at how incredibly well the world is crafted and give thanks to the Creator for such beauty and wonder.

Jesus tells his disciples they are of more value than sparrows and that the hairs of our heads are counted. We are intimately cared for by our Creator. We are invited to live in the knowledge every day, not fearing the attacks of daily life, and living with joy of beloved children. 

Today, I ask God to give me the joy of a beloved child, so that I might wonder at creation and delight in every human encounter. May we live as those who are fearless because love surrounds us and we have an abundance to share.