By Robin Wiley
Scripture
Luke 12:4-7 (ESV)
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
For the Adults:
Are you a scaredy-cat of anything?
I am afraid of heights and I have to psych myself up to ride any scary rides at an amusement park. I’ll do it but it is so difficult for me to not be paralyzed with fear. I wish I had memorized the above scripture to give me assurance that I do not need to fear anything – especially riding a nail-biting, hair-raising roller coaster!
In a conversation with his first disciples, Jesus addressed the reality of their pressing fears. He knew that because they would be facing persecution for their faith. . . even to the point of death. . . that they could be paralyzed by fear. Death is much more scarier to face than being afraid of heights!
The great thing is - he assured them that those who could kill their physical bodies had only limited power, since he had already secured the destiny of eternal life for his followers. Because of this, he was able to tell them “do not fear.” What a comforting relief!
He also told them that they should have a healthy fear of God. In this case, fear is not a paralyzing dread, but a healthy respect, honor, and reverence for the all-powerful God who cares for them. In order to reassure his disciples of God’s love and care for them, he paints an amazing picture of God’s love by showing them how God cares for even the simplest details of his creation. God values the sparrows, who were seen at the time as the most common and least-valued of all birds. God cares enough about them that he doesn’t forget any of them. I love the sound of birds singing and chirping and it reminds me of God’s love every time I hear it.
If God cares so deeply about the least of his creatures, then we should not be surprised at the unending depth of God’s care and concern for us. Jesus tells us that we are of more value than many sparrows! And to emphasize the depth of God’s love for his people, Jesus goes on to add that God’s care for us is so extensive and all-encompassing that he even numbers the hairs on our head! In the midst of living in a world ravaged by brokenness, destruction, death and even a nasty virus called COVID-19 – our God is present and holding us in his hands!
For the Kiddos:
Enter:
For adults - What were the greatest fears you had as a child? What scares you the most now
For the kiddos - What are you the most scared of?
Hear:
Read the Bible Passages. (Luke 12:4-7, Romans 8:28 (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.
Pause
Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to choose a different place to do your devotional time. Maybe sit outside or in the backyard and be still and let God’s word work in their hearts!
Wonder:
What are some steps you can take to remind you of God’s care when we find ourselves dealing with difficult circumstances that cause us to fear?
Image yourself and your family in the palm of God’s BIG hand – how does that make you feel?
How many hairs do you think you have on your head?
Bless:
Affirm what was discussed about the story.
· Read Romans 8:28 together. What does this verse tell us about God’s care and how his care works in our lives?[8 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.]
· Draw or paint a picture of God’s love in your life on this earth. Show how God cares for even the simplest details of His creation.
· Sit outside and listen to the birds singing and chirping around you. Can you recognize the type of bird’s song?
Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!
Example:
Loving and caring Father, how easy it is to forget your presence and promises when we find ourselves getting scared. Help us to see the message of your care for us that is woven in and through your Word. And, when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, bring to mind those truths we’ve read and re-read regarding your care that will carry us with great confidence through our fears. We pray this in Jesus’ name - Amen.