No Need to Fear!
So do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
In the USA, Father’s Day is celebrated today. Even though the world doesn’t take the role of a father seriously, the Bible does. A good thing to do today, fathers, is take out your Bibles and look at all the places in the Scriptures where commands and encouragements are given to fathers. The subject line question that I used today really stems from my own life as a father, now also a grandfather and great grandfather. Especially when my kids were younger, I often wondered if I really “measured up.”
Our verse, today, is not in a section of Scripture that addresses fathers. In this section, Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples. He gave them instructions on how they were to conduct their mission. But the advice that Jesus gave far transcends the immediate mission. He honestly pointed out the cost of discipleship. Since we follow Jesus, we can and should expect the same treatment that Jesus received.
Look at our verse again. Does “fatherhood” scare you? Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” Why? Jesus makes an interesting comparison. It seems that one of the cheapest meals in Jesus’ day was two sparrows. In our society today, we don’t think they are worth the bother of making them into a meal. Now take to heart the comparison. “You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Yes, fathers, Jesus watches over worthless sparrows, because to him they are not worthless. Do you think he is not watching over you? Fathers, our Lord will continue to equip us for our roles.
The good news is that this promise isn’t just for fathers. It is for mothers and children as well. It is for all his disciples. Take to heart his Word and “do not be afraid.”
Lord Jesus, continue to be my strength and guide. Help me follow your direction. Amen.