Deuteronomy 22:6-7If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
When I read this law today it was the first time it had ever stood out to me. The previous chapter dealt with very heavy matters, matters of life and death, and here in this chapter, we find God dives down into what we would call trivial parts of everyday life. Even the Jews called this "The least of all the commandments." I'll have to admit, it is not something most people would ever even think of, to be merciful to the least of creatures, but in this, God reveals that he is not only involved and concerned with the weightier issues of life but he is involved and concerned down to the microscopic level. I wasn't moved at first by this seemingly strange command until I remembered that Jesus alluded to the birds several times. In many cases to show us how God cares for the smallest parts of creation, to the end we see how involved and careful our God is. If he cares for the birds of the air, how much more can we, who are created in his image, expect his tender care and involvement? Jesus alludes to this "least commandment" in Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Dear Christian, God has not forgotten even the smallest creatures, he cares for them! He has not forgotten you, not even the smallest and seemingly insignificant detail, details that we don't even know ourselves. I couldn't tell you how many hairs are on my head but he could. It reminds me of a hymn we sing, "No friend like him, is so high and holy, No not one, No not one. And yet no friend is so meek and lowly, No not one, No not one." Our high and holy God is so caring and condescending, there is nothing insignificant to him, especially when it comes to his children. Every tear is remembered, every trial is purposeful, every step is guided, and every hair is numbered, Oh what a Savior is mine! He loves me, He loves me, He loves me This I know! In the grand scheme of this world and the Kingdom to come our lives can seem so small and insignificant against such a backdrop, but if God is willing to annex his promise of extended life to the smallest command in his law and willing to care even for the sparrows and the grass, rest assured he has not forgotten you. Your life is not insignificant, but so important to him that every hair on your head is numbered. Today as the birds sing his praise may we be reminded they are praising the God who created them, feeds them, and thinks of them. May this move us to sing praises to him for his tender mercies and loving-kindness as well. For "He remembers our frame that we are but dust!"
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