Worth

Sparrows were among the humblest birds in Bible times. They were considered food for the poor, and because they were so cheap, the poor could offer them in sacrifice to the Lord if they couldn’t afford a lamb, or a goat, or a bull. A penny is often the smallest denomination within a currency system, and the same was true in biblical times. Matthew 10 tells us that a penny could buy you two sparrows. That’s pretty cheap by any standard.

A study conducted several years ago calculated that the human body is worth only a few dollars if broken down to the very elements it’s composed of. Our body consists of minerals like oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, potassium, sodium, sulphur and several others. When we total the monetary value of them we arrive at a net worth of $4.50. We also have trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, zinc, and a few others, totalling no more than $1 in monetary value. So if we had to calculate our literal value, it’s only about $5.50.

And yet Jesus said that we’re worth more than many sparrows! What gives us value is our Creator Himself. He made us in His own image and stamped it upon our spirits. It’s His stamp of worth. He’s numbered the very hairs on our head, and He says we’re precious and honoured in His sight (Isaiah 43:4). He loads us with good gifts and benefits (see James 1:17). Psalm 103 is packed with the many ways God spoils us and loves us: He’s a God who: ‘forgives every one of all your iniquities, who heals each one of all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy’ (Amplified Bible). That’s amazing – He ‘beautifies, dignifies and crowns us’ with His love and mercy! He gives us worth.

The enemy of our soul goes to much trouble to keep us from realising our true worth in God’s eyes. He encourages us to compare ourselves to others, to exaggerate the weaknesses we see in ourselves, and to believe lies about God and His love for us. The truth is that Father God was willing to pay the ultimate price to redeem us from the stranglehold of Satan. It cost Him much, much more than our literal monetary value mentioned above. ‘For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect’ (1 Peter 1:18-19). No price was too high, because He loves us passionately and completely! ‘So don`t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows`.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You see me. Thank You that I’m of great worth to You, even when I feel insignificant and small at times. Thank You that I’m crowned with Your loving kindness and tender mercy. I love You Lord!