It isn’t the kind of bird I often stop to admire. The size isn’t spectacular. The wings aren’t colorful. The bird song isn’t memorable. The simple sparrow is small, plain, and unmemorable. 

When we lived and served in eastern Africa, we saw magnificent birds! The crested crane of Uganda. The hornbills of Kenya. These birds seemed created to be noticed–celebrated. There were the birds of prey, the vultures and kites, that were much feared and even respected. 

But the simple sparrow? Rarely noticed or celebrated. Never feared or respected. Often ignored or pitied. 

Yet, Jesus reminds us that even a sparrow, in all its smallness and vulnerability, is seen and known by our heavenly Father. 

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29

Our heavenly Father sees you. He knows you. He loves you. He loves you so much he sacrificed his own dear Son for you. In our smallness and vulnerability, we can come to Him in faith and acknowledge our deep need for Him. Our all-seeing, all-knowing heavenly Father lovingly welcomes us home. 

“Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.” Psalm 84:3