“Look at the birds in the sky. They never sow nor reap nor store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you much more valuable to him than they are?” – Words of Jesus (Matthew 6:26, JB PHILLIPS)
I am really encouraged by these words of Jesus. Too often we don’t think about what He’s actually saying, because what He’s saying really goes against a lot of what is taught in churches today.
In verse 25 Jesus says “don’t worry about your life!” That’s a tall order for most. Most people, Christians too, are consumed with worry. Jesus specifically says not to worry about your basic needs: food, drink or clothing. Sadly, this is what drives (motivates) most people: a worry about provision. But Jesus says don’t worry about these things and in verse 32 he states, “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (ESV) Another translation says heathen instead of Gentiles. The unbeliever seeks for his needs to be met, but not you. Why?
Well, “look at the birds of the sky. They don’t sow nor reap (God’s blessing of provision in your life isn’t based on your sowing and reaping, however spiritual you make it) nor store away in barns (your provision and wealth security isn’t based on your savings or investments: your carnal efforts to be financially secure) and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.” Now there’s a powerful truth! Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, is the birds Creator, yet He is your Father. He’s your Daddy. “Aren’t you much more valuable to God Almighty than birds?” The answer is a resounding YES!
One individual person is more important to God than all the birds on the planet together. Jesus didn’t die for birds, He died for you. “For God so loved the world” meaning people, not birds. God is your Daddy. He looks after and cares for the birds, and yet hey don’t strive for it. Yes they go out and find the food and put the food in their mouths and have to swallow it, and likewise you have a part to play. But if He cares for the birds, how much more will He care for you! Your part is simply to receive God’s provision, not work for it or try deserve it. Jesus qualifies you for God’s provision, blessing and favour. Your holiness, tithing and giving does not.
Giving is important and generosity is a fruit of the Christian life. But we don’t give because we have to and we certainly don’t give to try and get our needs met from God. He is our Dad and looks after us because He is good and loves us – not because we are good.
Be encouraged that your Heavenly Father is good and loves you!