"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
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—Matthew 6:26 (ESV)
It's LENT... admittedly, something I know little about. I know that it is basically an anticipation of the celebration of Christ's resurrection. It begins with Ash Wednesday. In some branches of Christianity the beginning is marked on one's forehead with literal ashes in the shape of a cross.
Some give up something. Others joke about giving up something. Still others decide to sit back and remain.
I personally don't believe one act is more holy than the other.
As my husband and I recently discussed, any work outside of the finished work of Christ falls far short of God's perfection.
Doing works as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord out of a heart that is grateful for His perfect sacrifice? Great.
Not doing them? His work on our behalf is still finished and complete for those who acknowledge their sin/need of a Savior and trust in Jesus alone for their right standing before God.
So, what does that have to do with birds and being fed or taken care of?
Worth.
If you belong to Him, you were bought with a great price. His blood. And, your worth should be and is found in Him. Jesus. The lover of your soul. Your great High Priest. Your rock, fortress and deliverer. He is our redeemer and friend.
So, as Spring enters in alongside this blessed season of preparing our hearts to reflect on Jesus's death and resurrection, consider the birds that fly through the air. That land in your back yard. That you see in random lots dining on His daily providence. And, remember that you are more valuable to Him than they, and He cares for you!
Until the coffeemaker beeps again,
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I love this! It's just what I needed to hear. I spent some time last night looking up verses on provision, and God's character in providing. He keeps reminding me through others that He is busy about the work of providing whether I can see or experience it at the moment. Learning to lean and trust is just as important as the provision.
ReplyDeleteThe tradition I followed as a child did not emphasize Lent as much as the Resurrection. Our tradition now puts more emphasis on it but more in the quiet, personal, spiritual sense, not the 'outward'. I like that better. Good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts on the gospel! Nothing can bring us closer to God than we already are in Christ, yet I know we all get distracted by the world and sometimes outward acts can help shape our hearts. If they don't, they are worthless. Unrelated, here is the link to the bean bars on my blog: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/20/snickerdoodle-blondies-but-theyre-good-for-you/. They are so yummy!
ReplyDeletepretty bird feeder - have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete