How Much More

I have always enjoyed watching birds. Growing up, I listened to my father point out the different types of birds and explain their unique diets and behaviors. I have literally spent dozens of hours just sitting in desolate places with nothing to do but observe birds. They are pretty fascinating.

When I was in elementary school, one of my favorite books was Audubon’s Birds of America, Baby Elephant Folio. I spent hours pouring over its contents. There are shovelers, divers, scavengers, predators, socialites, and loners. Birds come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. God’s creativity is astounding. The birds here are different but no less beautiful and intriguing. When I get a chance, I enjoy sitting and just watching them move about and listening to their different sounds.

The other day, a small bird flew into one of our windows. The children were worried it was dead. However, it was just dazed from the impact and, given time, was able to recuperate. Did you know that God cared that the bird was injured? Moreover, he knew that bird specifically. This truth blows my mind.

Jesus was an observer of birds, too. At times, he even used them as teaching illustrations.

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6:26 ESV

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:29-31 ESV

Birds are amazing. God created them, provides for them, and cares for them. But Jesus wanted his disciples to know that they were even more valuable to God than the birds. This also means YOU matter, and his care for you surpasses that of the birds.

Look around at the birds. How much more does God love you? Let that sink in.

Eyes Up,

Ryan