MARCH 24, Matthew 6:26

Keeping caged birds is a popular hobby in Singapore. If you go to neighbourhood parks you may be able to see ornate bird cages dangling from tall poles, swaying in the breeze. Perched in these cages above are chirping songbirds. At the ground below, the owners drink tea and discuss their bird’s singing abilities. These birds are from a variety of species which include merbok, chinese thrush, red-whiskered bulbul and shama. The owners pay huge sums of money to buy these birds. They meticulously care for these birds ensuring that they are properly fed and looked after. But have you wondered about the birds that are in the wild; that wander around freely and have no human owner? Who feeds them?

In Matthew 6:26a the Lord Jesus says – “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;” The Lord Jesus affirms that these birds do not sow nor reap; neither do they gather food. So who feeds the birds? In Matthew 6: 26b, the Lord Jesus says, “yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them.” God provides food for these birds. The Lord Jesus did not end this verse on birds; but ends the verse by saying to the people whom He preached to, “Are ye not much better than they?” The lesson that the Lord Jesus was trying to teach the people was that if God is able to provide for the needs of the birds, surely He will provide for them, His children. The lesson learnt here is that they should not worry about their needs.

Thought: The Lord provides for my needs!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me more faith to believe that since You can take care of birds, You will take care of me and my needs. Help me to trust in You always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.