THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 1, 2023

Lord, walking through the parking lot, I saw the grackle lying on the pavement. How did this “trash” bird meet its demise? Maybe hit by a car? Or possible pecked to death by the gazillion relatives nesting in the trees or sitting on the power lines.

I didn’t think much of it until your Spirit reminded me what you taught about our heavenly Father’s love and our worth.

“… not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it”— Matthew 10:29.

Lord, if you care enough that you see every sparrow that falls, shouldn’t we know the extent of your care for us? Don’t you know our every thought, hear every prayer we plead, see everything we do? This attribute of your character speaks volumes about your love for us.

Your Spirit spoke to my inner man. “No doubt I see every sparrow that falls. People see sparrows as “good” birds and feel sadness when they see one that has fallen. Please know I saw that grackle fall too. Most see grackles as trash, annoying birds, that the world would be better off without.

“I’m saddened that many people see others as “trash”—people of little to no value. My heart is broken how many Christ followers have this attitude. In my eyes, all people have value. I created them in my image. I care for all people, and I see them when they fall. Oh, how I’d love to pick them up if only they would ask.

“It’s my desire that none should perish but all come to know me.” I told Peter to write that so people throughout the centuries would know my heart” (2 Peter 3:9).

Lord, help me not to see others as grackles. Amen, Jesus.