The sparrow is such a...
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The sparrow is such a common bird and so numerous that often it is considered a pest.
The psalmist speaks of the sparrow finding a nesting place in the temple; Jesus even said,
"... not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will" (Matthew 10:29).
Truly his eye is on the sparrow, and we can know he cares for each individual!
The sparrow or a similar small bird could even be used for a poor person's sacrifice as referred to in Leviticus 14:30. The Palestinian sparrow is larger than the English sparrow, so it is understandable that for the very poor it might be caught and eaten. Matthew 10 tells of sparrows being sold possibly for food, or for sacrifice.
It is interesting to note that even early in Bible times, the ruthless killing of birds was forbidden. In the Today's English Version, Deuteronomy 22:6 says, "If you happen to find a bird's nest in a tree or on the ground with the mother bird sitting either on the eggs or with her young, you are not to take the mother bird." This is a very humane and sensible rule and a guide for conserving wildlife.
In God's sight, the lowly sparrow reminds us that God's care is personal and real. The hairs of your head are numbered and not even a sparrow falls without our heavenly Father knowing and caring and reaching out in love.
God of the sparrow and God of the skies, God of the weak and God of the strong, we give you praise and thanks! With amazement we realize that you have remembered the smallest and simplest of your creatures with care and concern. May we be among those who are good stewards of nature and all wildlife, the creatures of your creation. Even more important we pray that our concern will extend to the least or the lost or the lonely in our human family. Remind us that Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least ... you have done it unto me." Amen.
(From Samuel Hahn, Learning From the Lizard [Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing Company, 2000])
The sparrow or a similar small bird could even be used for a poor person's sacrifice as referred to in Leviticus 14:30. The Palestinian sparrow is larger than the English sparrow, so it is understandable that for the very poor it might be caught and eaten. Matthew 10 tells of sparrows being sold possibly for food, or for sacrifice.
It is interesting to note that even early in Bible times, the ruthless killing of birds was forbidden. In the Today's English Version, Deuteronomy 22:6 says, "If you happen to find a bird's nest in a tree or on the ground with the mother bird sitting either on the eggs or with her young, you are not to take the mother bird." This is a very humane and sensible rule and a guide for conserving wildlife.
In God's sight, the lowly sparrow reminds us that God's care is personal and real. The hairs of your head are numbered and not even a sparrow falls without our heavenly Father knowing and caring and reaching out in love.
God of the sparrow and God of the skies, God of the weak and God of the strong, we give you praise and thanks! With amazement we realize that you have remembered the smallest and simplest of your creatures with care and concern. May we be among those who are good stewards of nature and all wildlife, the creatures of your creation. Even more important we pray that our concern will extend to the least or the lost or the lonely in our human family. Remind us that Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least ... you have done it unto me." Amen.
(From Samuel Hahn, Learning From the Lizard [Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing Company, 2000])
