February 1

Matthew 10:26-33 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Observation

This particular talk takes place in the larger context where Jesus is preparing his disciples for the pending persecution owing to their faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16-42). There are two truths that Jesus reminds his disciples of during his talk: 1. My heavenly Daddy deeply cares for me--at least more than he cares for the sparrows and that's good enough for me:) 2. My heavenly Daddy knows me intimately. I don't even know how many hairs I have left, yet my heavenly Daddy does! There are many times when I can't quite "figure out" what my heavenly Daddy is up to, yet it reassures me to know that I am deeply cared for and intimately known by my Daddy in heaven. While there is no explicit mention of the Cross of Jesus Christ in this particular passage, I can't help but to think about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was God's expression of His commitment to be for me and with me despite what that commitment would cost him--the life of His one and only Son. And it is His commitment for me that enables me to renew my commitment to live for my Daddy each day.

Application

I will remind myself of who I am throughout this day so as to guard my heart against the lie and illusion that I am all alone and fetch for myself. I am a child of God who is infinitely loved by my heavenly Daddy and so are you in Christ!

Prayer

Abba. I thank you for your commitment and your love for a child like me. I am truly like sheep and tend to wander away from your love and the path you have chosen for me. Forgive me for forgetting you so easily and help me to face whatever life might bring today with the full assurance of your love and your intimate knowledge of me. It is in Christ name I pray. Amen!

--KJ AHN