by Barbara Cohen Hyland
Yeshua knew that the disciples and the generations to come after them would face times of intense persecution. At those times, it might seem as if God had lost control of events or forgotten about them. Unlike those early believers, we here in America, do not face physical persecution. However, we do face hostility in the form of indifference, ridicule, or perhaps even attacks on our character.
But, Yeshua encouraged His disciples by saying, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?” Perhaps He had in mind the pigeons and turtledoves that the poor brought for offerings in the Temple. Archaeologists have uncovered numerous dovecotes from the Second Temple Era, which evidence pointed to a large pigeon and dove industry during those days. The Jewish people raised the birds primarily for food……a poor man’s meat.
No one regarded the small, inexpensive birds as valuable, “Yet not one of them is forgotten before God 12:6) “Not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matt. 10:29). Yeshua reasoned that if God remembers even an inexpensive bird and takes note of its fall to the ground, how much more so will He remember and take care of you who are more valuable than many small birds.
His consolation sounds similar to the words about our daily provision: “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matt 6:26) The bird-comparison does not guarantee invulnerability. He did not say that sparrow will not fall to the ground or that believers will not face tragedy and sorrow!! If God allows the birds to fall to the ground, He may also allow the disciples to face mishap, ill circumstance, and death…….but not apart from His concern, care and wisdom. Yeshua’s words assure us that God is mindful of our suffering and His hand directs our course. Therefore, the Master’s disciples should be fearless and confident.
Don’t we wish we could have heard those words directly from the Master’s lips? However, James’ letter to the believers tells them not to be amazed that these things will come upon them. “Count is all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness………that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The Master assured the disciples that even “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
(Lk. 12:7) Therefore we can be assured that everything is under His control. Even those of us who are losing our hair!
