Friday, April 8
By him we have life and move and exist.
Why should we love God? One reason is that Jehovah is our Creator and our Provider. He has given us our splendid earthly home. He also provides food and other things we need in order to sustain our life. Therefore, Paul could tell the idolatrous residents of Lystra that “the living God . . . did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying you with food and filling your hearts with gladness.” Also, God has made possible the removal of the sin and death we inherited from Adam. Indeed, “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Undoubtedly, our heart overflows with love for Jehovah because he has made it possible for us to receive forgiveness of our sins if we are repentant and exercise faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.
COMMENTARY
When we consider the immensity of the universe, not that we can even begin to comprehend it, and the vast numbers of people in the world, it is understandable that we might feel insignificant. We may acknowledge God’s love intellectually, but personally we may feel we don’t count for much or anything.
Jesus knows God better then anyone. In fact, no one, not even the angels, know Jehovah as intimately as Jesus. That is why he said “no one fully knows the Father but the Son.” If we believe Jesus then consider what he said regarding his Father: “Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.”
Think of it, sparrows are very common birds. They fly around us all the time and you probably don’t pay much attention to them. But according to Jesus Jehovah is so aware and concerned for his creation that not even one little sparrow escapes his notice. If we believe that, then there is no way that Jehovah would not consider every individual made in his image as very valuable. But, especially precious to him are those who love him and try to serve him.
So, the next time you see a sparrow let it be a reminder to you how precious you are with your heavenly Father.
