Jesus said, ‘I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)
A few years ago there was an almighty bang and I shot through the bungalow to the back of the building, expecting to see some major damage, instead all that I could see was a large mark on the kitchen window. It had been a bird-strike, by a young sparrow. Searching outside I found the bird lying in the corner underneath the hose-pipe by the back wall, and felt sad, but there was no movement and nothing I could do. However, half an hour later the bird had recovered and flown away.
I was reminded of this incident when reading today's passage about sparrows from Luke's gospel, and was very quickly reminded of the second image when brushing my hair and then picking white hairs off my clothes this morning! These two wonderful images reinforce the words of Jesus, reminding us as they do that God cares for every pat of His creation - every tiny bird and animal, and every person.
Jesus has been castigating the Pharisees for their thoughts and actions, and knows they seek to destroy him and his work. His followers are undoubtedly worried about their future and also about his, but he reassures them using two graphic images to emphasise that we are not to fear evil, or danger, or sickness. These can damage the body, but not the soul. We are God's children and He loves us totally and utterly, even when our secret thoughts and actions have been unworthy of our calling and against everything that He expects of us. All He wants is that we repent, ask His forgiveness, and resolve with His grace to start afresh.
Lord God,
we know that we disappoint You,
and that even when others
don't know our thoughts and actions
You see us in our entirety.
Help us to see ourselves
as You see us;
to truly repent;
and to ask Your forgiveness.
Amen.