Daily Devotion, October 25, 2023

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 6:25-26.

At her birth, I saw her in the palm of her obstetrician’s hand as he carried her to the newborn’s intensive care unit. At her three months’ baptism, her parents gave out tiny wooden crosses, with today’s reference: Matthew 6:25-26. This would be a reminder of God’s abiding care. At her baptism, the congregation and her family rejoiced, gave thanks and praised God!

I was greeted around the same time, with a confession and question by one who was one hundred and five. “I was unkind to my caregiver today; do you think God can forgive me?”

“Yes, God can forgive you!” I responded.

“I will be kinder tomorrow.” She promised.

Human beings and God’s gift of life are precious and valuable at every stage of life. Today we read of God’s incredible care for the flowers and the birds. Here, Jesus is telling his listeners then and now “How much more valuable are the human beings God has created and how much more care God will give!”

Today’s verses are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Many who are listening then and now need to know how valuable they are to God and that God will take care of them. Matthew weaves continually throughout his gospel, this thread of, the “how much more” is God’s love for God’s own creation. In Matthew 7: 9-11, Jesus reminds us that if we as earthly parents love and care for our children, how much more will the heavenly Father love and care for his children. And in Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus says, “do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank you for taking care of us, your creation. Help us to see the ways you value others and be kind to them, in the ways you would want us to. Amen.