Matthew 10:29–31 (CSB)
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.
There are some unexplainable, unimaginable aspects of God's being and character that we cannot wrap our minds around. The fact that God has the very hairs of our heads numbered for every single person on the planet simply blows my mind. On average, adults have around 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their heads. However, this number can vary significantly based on factors such as age, gender, genetics, and individual differences. Some people may have more, while others may have less. To calculate a rough estimate of the total number of hairs, we can take the midpoint of the average range (125,000 hairs) and multiply it by the estimated world population of 7.9 billion people: 125,000 hairs per person 7.9 billion people = 987.5 trillion hairs. I can't even fathom the number 987.5 trillion, let alone how God can keep track of every single one of those hairs while also caring for every other intricate part of His creation.
Sparrows were the least valuable of all living creatures 2000 years ago in Middle Eastern culture. They were sold for the least amount of money possible, roughly equivalent to a penny today. The point is that in Jesus' economic world, the sparrow was the least valuable. Jesus emphasizes that even the most insignificant living creature at the time was still under God's watchful eye. Jesus is making the point that if it is part of God's creation, He is closely watching over it.
The God who knows all cares about all and is intricately involved in every minute detail of His creation. The fact that God is watching over the sparrows demonstrates that he has profound compassion for everything that He has created. We are created in the very image of God (Genesis 1:27). Of all creation, we are the most valued. If God is so tuned in to the sparrows, then we know that he is absolutely 100% tuned in and involved in every aspect of our lives. Psalm 139:17–18 (NLT) How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
This is Kingdom care. Jesus, who is the King of the Kingdom of God, is personally invested and deeply cares for and loves all those within His Kingdom. When we choose to come under the Kingdom authority rule of Jesus, we are making a choice to bring every aspect of our lives, even the most small and intricate, under His watchful eyes. He is God; He is omniscient; and He is omnipresent. This is one of the great benefits of living a Kingdom life. We don't have to worry or be anxious whenever everything seemingly falls apart in this world. When everything falls apart, we are promised that Jesus is weaving it back into His Kingdom purposes.
Romans 8:28 (CSB)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
When it feels like the fires of hell are burning against us, it is always allowed by the King for the purpose of burning off the dross and purifying our souls. We must remember in our sufferings that God is good, and He is so intimately involved that not even a single hair can fall from our heads without Him knowing. In the season of suffering, it is painful, but in His Kingdom work, God is forming something beautiful, eternal, and full of praise.
Malachi 3:3 (NLT)
He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, who knows every hair on our heads and values each sparrow, fill us with the knowledge of Your intimate care for every aspect of our lives. In our trials and tribulations, remind us that You are the refiner, using the fire to purify and shape us into vessels of Your glory. As we walk in Your Kingdom, may we find peace in Your omnipresence and omniscience, trusting that all things work together for good under Your Kingdom authority. Amen.
Life Application Points:
1. Trust in God's Knowledge and Care: Embrace the fact that God's understanding and care are beyond human comprehension. If He knows each hair on our heads and values every sparrow, we can trust that He also knows and values every detail of our lives. In moments of doubt or fear, remember that God's watchful care is over you.
2. "Embrace the Refining Fire": God allows trials not to destroy us, but to purify and strengthen us. When you find yourself in challenging circumstances, try to view them as opportunities for growth and purification, recognizing that our Heavenly Father is using these situations for your ultimate good.
3. "Live a Kingdom Life": Choose to live under the authority of Jesus, bringing every aspect of your life under His rule. This includes your relationships, your work, and your personal pursuits. Seek His Kingdom first in all areas of your life, and find peace in His omnipresence and omniscience.
4. "Rejoice in God's goodness." Even in the midst of suffering, keep the knowledge of God's goodness at the forefront of your mind. Remember Romans 8:28, and trust that God is working all things together for your good. Use this perspective to maintain joy and hope in all circumstances.