By Dr Edward Tamale-Sali
In Matthew 6:26, we have an amazing discourse when Jesus wanted to make a point to human beings who are always anxious about their provision and other necessities in their daily lives.
Jesus said: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26-27).
Jesus was speaking to people in the then Palestine. The times were difficult politically and economically, and most people were worried.
They all longed for God to provide for their leadership and even provisions that would sustain life.
He reminded them that human beings are more valuable to God than birds which God also cares and provides for.
The sparrow
In emphasis to the divine providence, God reminds us of one of the smallest birds; the sparrow.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
Look at this bird and imagine God’s constant provision to it. How can a God who provides for a bird not provide for human beings?
Some of these birds that God provides for become a provision for food to human beings. In my country Uganda, I can buy a chicken from the market easily for around USD 7.
This can be enough for my weekly food with my family of three. In Jesus’ time, two farthings (equivalent to USD 1) could buy 5 sparrows (Luke 12:6-7).
Jesus says He knows how to feed and look after these birds and He cares for them. He goes on to say that we are more worth than the sparrows millions of times.
This means Jesus knows what is in your bank account, what you put on, your stocks of food, and He knows when everything is dry.
What a God we serve! You will remember Jesus feeding 5,000 and 4,000 people with very few provisions. He multiplied them and there was an excess!
The hair on your head
Jesus goes on to make another emphasis- pointing to the disciples that He even knows the number of hairs on our heads.
This is how much God cares. If surely, He can do this, why should we be worried about big issues in our lives like school fees, jobs, marriage, or ill health?
We need to continue trusting Him and He will take us through all these challenges of life. Amen.
Personal testimony
When I worked in Kuwait from 1990 to 2004, there is a month, when we were not able to pay for our food rations from a Duuka where we used to get these provisions.
We had a choice either to use our tithing money or go and pay for our food and provisions. My wife and I decided to honour God and pay our tithe.
To my surprise, three days later, a certain man who I knew and was my patient came to my office.
He called me out and thanked me for looking after his wife who I had helped to deliver. He handed me an envelope and he left very quickly.
But I did not open the envelope until four hours later when I got home.
We opened this envelope thinking there would be a ‘thank you’ card because I used to receive them often.
However, when I opened this envelope, I found the man had stacked USD2,000; almost half of my then monthly salary inside it. Our rations averaged USD400 per month.
This was a miracle of providence God performed in front of our eyes. It is still fresh in my memory.
There have been numerous stories like this throughout my life – which am compiling to be part of my autobiography book.
Lesson
Child of God, over and over throughout the holy Bible, Jesus is telling us that God is the source of everything.
It is not man or government or your husband or wife. Learn to depend on Him for anything and He will supply your needs.
Our Jesus is the God of multiplication. He has said He will never leave or forsake us.
If you never got saved and you are reading this story, please kneel and say: “O lord I repent of my sins. Forgive me.
“And from today on wards, I am yours and you are mine. I believe in you alone and receive your salvation from now onwards. Amen.”
Once you do this, you are saved. Call us on: +256775822833, for guidance on where to fellowship.
