What Value On Human Life?

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father [knowing]”
Matthew 10:29 (KJV)

I was sitting at my desk when suddenly there was a thump at the window. Looking up quickly I saw a few feathers floating in the breeze, and knew immediately that some poor bird had flown into the glass.

Immediately I thought of the scripture above. It’s often quoted to show God’s care for all of the teeming life on this planet we inhabit. But actually that’s not the context in which originally it was used.

Jesus goes on in the next verse to say: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Such is the intimate concern and knowledge God takes of all of His people. Since we all lose hair all the time and replace them over time, we rarely think about our hair on a minute-by-minute basis. But God’s concern for us all is shown to be on-going and without ceasing.

In Luke’s version of the same event, the wording is even more comforting: “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 10:6–7).

And the bird that struck my window? Well, it was a robin. I raced downstairs and found him sitting a little dazed on the lawn looking very sorry for himself. I felt he could have done with an Aspirin! After a few minutes, however, he perked up and flew off to carry on with his daily robin business, unknown to me, but known to and cared for by God.

Prayer
Most merciful Father, thank you for life itself; and thank you for the interest you take in all of your creation, but especially in your children. We pray that you will help us value each other and ourselves as you value each one of us, living up to your instruction: “Love one another as I have loved you.” We will need your constant help to live up to your high ideals. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

Study by John Stettaford