How Much We Are Worth

Matthew 10:29-31 – Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (RSV)

Yesterday, conducting a chapel service for men at the local prison, I showed part of the movie "The Passion Of The Christ". In the scene in the garden, Satan assails Jesus with questions: "Who is He? Does His Father care?" All of us must wonder at times if the Father cares what is happening to us.

Later, on my way home, I stopped at our local park where many Canada geese now spend the winter. As I was parked, enjoying the flocks of geese and ducks milling around looking for food, I was shocked to see a truck carelessly run over one of these magnificent birds, crunching the life from its poor body. The memory of the scene haunted me all the day. As I got into bed that night, the bloody scene was again in my mind. Suddenly, I remembered today's Scripture verses. If He cares for the sparrow, He must also care for a poor Canada goose. Does God care? In the words of an old hymn, "Does Jesus Care?" by Frank E. Graeff:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares;
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Saviour cares.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know You care for us in all the events of life. Help us, always — in the good times and the bad — to remember that Your love reaches to us in the times of greatest trial and in the moments of greatest joy. Amen.