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2 P & P Weekly Blog for 19-25 August 2023
We can generally tell when the end of the sparrow’s nesting season occurs—in August—because of several signs. 1) The birdhouse is stuffed to capacity (and, as pictured, is often overflowing when all the birds have “flown the coop.” 2) It gets a little quieter in the front. 3) The trees, bushes, and feeder get noisier and busier surrounding the house.
I love being attuned to these gentle changes. We were working on the porch on a Tuesday, and the mama bird was feeding her young, painstakingly bringing mouthful by mouthful of worms and such to them; then, the house was empty the next. So quickly, they were fully grown, matured, and ready to fly.
It was so sweet to watch her love and attention. It’s amazing to contemplate how God has instilled these tiny creatures with such nurturing and instinct to make nests, produce many broods in a season, and know when to start and stop these processes. In His wisdom, He cares for all living things—even these tiny feathered friends that weigh about an ounce.
Matthew 10:29-31 tells us: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV)
In these few verses, we learn a few things: Though the value set for a sparrow (in Bible times) was very low—1) God is aware of them. 2) He cares for them. 3) Not one falls (or flies or grows or matures) without His attention and compassion.
The Word uses sparrows as an analogy for God’s care for us in several ways. 1) Even the number of hairs on our head is numbered (so why do we think that God is unmindful of the smallest detail we care about?) 2) He tells us not to be afraid. 3) in other parallel passages, sparrows are used to question our lack of faith—so these little birds are one of His messengers to convey how much (how intimately) He protects, guides, guards, and keeps us.
In every life, there are seasons. There is a cycle. But God is aware, caring, and nurturing you (and me) through each one. And no matter how much changes around us or how much He’s changing in us, the Lord is worthy of our trust because He is faithful. From beginning to end, He will do for us as He does for the birds of the air. Let this truth “nest” in your heart because Jesus will never leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5).
At season’s end, the sparrows fly into the trees, sing from the branches, continue to feed and grow and mature. In other words, a new season begins in their lives even as they leave the nest. The same is true in the life of the believer. God is always at work—creating, nourishing, equipping, and helping us—to follow His Word and Will and to soar in the freedom that He died to secure for us.
What season are you in? How do you see God providing for you? Ask Jesus to show you your worth through His eyes. How can we help someone see His love and care for them?
2 Pause and Praise Creations ©
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