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Bird Watching! Matthew 10:29-31

I do not consider myself a birdwatcher.  I do take notice of some birds, like eagles, hawks and owls.  I will also stop and watch a Cardinal, Blue Jay or Hummingbird.  Ducks, Geese, and Chickens fall into another category altogether and I am not sure why.  Perhaps it is because I grew up on a farm where they were domesticated and part of the food chain.  And as most people who live in the more northern climates of the United States, I notice the first robin in the spring.  But that is about as far as it goes.  When it comes to birds, there has to be something unusual or rare for me to take notice.  The usual flying creatures are simply background in my world.  Crows, swallows and sparrows are just there.  I suppose I would miss them if they weren't, but of that I cannot be sure.  

But fear not for the common, the everyday, the mundane birds of our backyard.  There is someone who cares.  Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

As I read those words attributed to Jesus by the author of the Gospel of Matthew, I understand just how different my thinking is from God’s.  I don’t give the sparrows or swallows or robins much thought unless leaving droppings on my car.  I don’t visit the zoo to see them.  I don’t watch Animal Planet on my cable system to see them.  I don’t care enough about them to be that interested in them.  But God is!  And if God is that interested in the smallest, most insignificant birds in my backyard, what else is God interested in that I am missing.
 
As a follower of Christ, trying to live as a faithful disciple of the Lord, is it not my responsibility to be concerned with the things that concern God.  Should I not care for the things that God cares about?  Of course I should.  But I must also recognize that I, unlike God, have my limitations.  I cannot see every sparrow fall or even count the hairs on my head, which is a finite number, I assure you. 

Good discipleship is not spreading our gifts and talents all over the place.  We water down our effect and are in great danger of disappointment and burnout if we do.

Good discipleship is focusing our gifts and talents on areas of God’s concern where they are best suited.  We need disciples who are able to watch out for God’s creation and sound a clarion call when there is a danger or misuse taking place.  We need disciples who are able to provide healing to the sick and wounded.  We need disciples who are able to produce art that uplifts the spirit, speaks to our souls, and makes us think about our place in the world.  We need disciples who are prophets, speaking truth to power.  We need disciples who are teachers, to educate and challenge our thoughts about who we are and where we are going.  We need disciples who are… You!

Jesus said, “…You are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31


You are unique in this world.  There is no one quite like you.  You are created for great things and the church needs you!  “Do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” Live what you are worth.  Be a birdwatcher if that is what you are gifted and called to be.  Be a teacher if that is where your calling lies.  Be a prophet, a doctor, an artist, a preacher…  Be good disciples and God will bless you in your calling. 

May you find joy in your journey!

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