VALUED BY THE FATHER
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1a (NIV)
You’re a treasure—one worth fighting for and dying for. God values you more than you know. Today’s Scriptures teach us that our identity and worth come only from the One who made us.
The mention of two sparrows in the first of today’s Scriptures would have been a well-known image to the original readers of this text. It would have brought to mind birds commonly sold or traded in the marketplace for food or other goods and services. Interestingly enough, birds were often sold in pairs (just like Matthew records). Birds were victims of prey. They often sought to escape capture. If the Father cares for even the smallest birds, imagine how much more He values you!
The reality is that all of us, in one way or another, look for validation and acceptance in places that never satisfy. We’ve taken our God-given desire for dignity and value and looked to people, places and circumstances to tell us who we are and to help us find our worth. Yet no amount of praise, success or accomplishment can fully communicate our value to God.
God loves you as you are, not as you should be.
Brennan Manning
APPLICATION: What’s the most precious, beautiful, valuable thing you can think of? Keep that in mind today, and every time you think of it, remember the immeasurable value God has for you.
PRAYER: God, thank You that You don’t judge me by my biggest mistakes. Thank You for Jesus who has made me new and secured my worth forever. Help me feel Your pleasure. Help me live from the eyes of a good, good Father, so I don’t seek my worth and value anywhere else. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?