THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:26-31
“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30)
In my family of origin, early balding was an issue.
For some reason, I held on to my hair covering, while my brothers didn’t.
I joked it was because I was a minister, my boss had my hairs numbered.
But Jesus is not promising a way to avoid hardship… or hair loss.
The sparrows are numbered, yet they fall to the ground.
Jesus’ point is that no matter what happens, the Father has it in hand.
We will struggle, we will even fall at times, but never by mistake or surprise.
God never exclaims ‘oops!’ or ‘oh no!’ or ‘never saw that coming!’
God has granted us our freedom, even the freedom to be foolish or evil.
But he has not fully released us to our own devices; He retains control for goodness sake.
As we strive to live and love for King and kingdom, He will help us, and use us, for good.
Our successes, but also our trials, even our deaths, will serve His kingdom purpose.
He is working to fully restore us, body and soul.
The only ones who need fear crisis and death are those who reject His gift of life and love.
We have nothing to fear; we belong to God body and soul, in life and in death!
As the Heidelberg Catechism puts it…
| Q. |
What is your only comfort in life and death?
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| A. |
That I am not my own,
but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,
to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way
that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him
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What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may this comfort inspire me with hope and boldness, that I make confidently show and share the goodness of Your kingdom life and love!
My God is with me in all situations. He is there to comfort, refine, and reshape and even restore – all for our good. He Himself took on the worst for us and that turned into our salvation. He is my only comfort and the spoon/fork is a symbol of that – dessert – the best is yet to come.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be