 |
 |
Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
His Eye on the Sparrow
For three years Americans have been paying homage to those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Such honor is appropriate, and we all should learn from the lessons of that day. But many have come to despair, to the fear that can accompany such terror, and they struggle with that despair on a daily basis. Sorrow grips their lives. Publius Syrus once wrote: “The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body.”
Yes, and that pain “of the mind” is often impossible—as we see it—to face, to fight, to overcome. Troubles come, we try to deal with them, then more troubles come, and we feel we have no one to help, no one with whom to share those troubles and those fears.
A wonderful blessing of being “in Christ” (see Ephesians 1:3) is the knowledge that God’s “eye” is on us in our sorrow. We do not have to face trouble
In an old song book I found the song, “His eye is on the sparrow.” Words are by Mrs. C. D. Martin, and they have endeared themselves to men and women for many years.
Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When song gives place to sighing,
When hope within me dies;
I draw the closer to Him;
From care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
These thoughts are biblical, founded upon Jesus’ words of comfort in Matthew 10:29-31, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
His disciples were about to embark on a mission to teach the Jews about Jesus. He warned them that danger awaited them, but that they should not despair, for “ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Sparrows are a common sight in our part of the country—so common that many consider them a nuisance. Among birds, they have no special beauty, and they are not reputed to have great significance for improving our environment. But they are here, and in considerable number. As insignificant as they may be to us, not one sparrow lights upon the ground without our Father’s attention and knowledge.
In Jesus’ day, the very poor offered sparrows as a sacrifice to God. They could purchase two sparrows for one “farthing,” or about two for a penny. An even better bargain is mentioned in Luke 12:6—five sparrows for two farthings. You got one free when buying in quantity, but even that “throw in” for free was known to God.
The lesson is obvious; God’s love and care are constantly with us. We may be common people with no “special beauty.” Someone may even be thought a “nuisance” by some and of little worth to others, but we are promised that the God who cares for the sparrow will assuredly watch over His own children.
When Jesus gave the great commission (See Matthew 28:18f and Mark 16:15), He knew we were entering into dangerous territory. Sure enough there is opposition, there is apathy, there is enmity among some who hear the Gospel. He promised to be with us always, and He has kept that promise. He has not abandoned us, nor will He ever abandon us:
- “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms,” Deuteronomy 33:27.
- “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep,” Psalms 121:4.
- “Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat,” Isaiah 25:4.
- “My soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast,” Psalms 57:1.
- “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty,” Psalms 91:1.
Now we find ourselves engaged in a great battle with Satan. He wants all to reject Christ’s generous plea, and he will fight us at every bend of the road, every place where doubt can be enhanced. The question is not, “What is our task?” but “Will we take full advantage of the promise of God, the power of God’s inspired Word? Or, when opposition arises, will we shrink before Satan’s power, from persecution, from ridicule, from indifference and despair—and desert the Lord when times get tough?
No, God has not promised us a life free from trials, but He has assured us that He will help us deal with them. Truly, we can believe Jesus when He said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid,” Matthew 14:27.
|
|
|
|
“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.”
“Hope believed is history in the process of being changed.”
“No condition so low but may have hope; none so high but may have fear.”
“Hope is a poor man’s bread.”
“True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind lifts it even higher.”
|
|
|
|
|
Stephanos
From what record is available, it seems that Stephen was the first Christian to be martyred after the establishment of the church (Acts 7:51-60). A few brief applications for Christians in 2004: Stephen did not look for trouble, certainly not persecution and death, but he did not avoid conflict, controversy at all costs. In modern American religious circles, shame on the individual who stands for something. Soldiers of Christ arise! Stand up and be counted. Never has the gospel been more needed.
Stephen spoke the truth in love. Today, there is no need for an ugly attitude and a mean disposition in defending the truth. The truth itself cut the hearts of Stephen’s audience, and today the truth itself is sharp enough (Hebrews 4:12). No need for a sharp tongue. the hearts of people will be pricked or cut. Note the love and mercy in Stephen’s dying words, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60).
Stephen knew that Christianity came with a high price. In fact, it did, and does today, require all (Matthew 16:24-25). Christians today who speak what Stephen spoke will face persecution.
Stephen was never alone. Jesus did not ask anything of Stephen that He Himself had not already done, and more. Stephen was simply walking in the steps of the Saviour. In those transition moments for Stephen, from life here to life eternal, Jesus was watching, not sitting, but standing. Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
“Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). What irony! Stephen’s name in the original language is stephanos, the same word translated “crown.” It is the crown of victory! Who really won in the battle arena? The crowd killed Stephen, but he lives victorious, crowned by Jesus Himself! Jesus sees you battle. He stands, waiting to crown you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
