Thought for the Week 11 August 2024

Earlier this week I was in the kitchen with Teresa and Jonathan where there is a large glass ranch sliding door onto our deck. Suddenly, the three of us were startled by a dull thud on the glass. A little Silvereye bird, perhaps seeing a reflection of the garden in the glass, had flown into the ranch slider at full speed. Hoping the poor little thing was just stunned I went over to investigate. But sadly it was dead. I picked it up and held it in the palm of my hand. It felt so small and fragile. Its    feathers were so soft and intricate and their colours were simply beautiful.

Teresa reminded us of Jesus’ words, saying that not one little bird falls to the ground outside God’s care (Matt 10:29). When I considered this little bird, I thought about what Jesus said. Perhaps it was just a bit of hyperbole. But I think the story of the Bible shows us that God does indeed love many things, all things. I was struck by the idea that God knew and cared for this little bird. That meant that God, reigning over creation at that very moment, was aware, even saddened that this particular little bird’s wings would never again glide through the air nor would its sweet voice join in the dawn chorus.

We humans seem to have such a limited capacity to love the people, animals, and things around us. And yet, our God seems to have a limitless capacity for love and concern. Jesus used the little birds to illustrate this limitless love. If God is concerned for something so small, something that we so easily miss, something we don’t think matters, then how much more does God extend that same limitless love toward us? Don’t be afraid, says  Jesus, even the number of hairs on your head is known to God. You are worth more than many little birds. God holds you in the palm of his hand and says you are dearly loved.

Luke