Consider the word “consider.” To do so is to think deeply, reflect or pay close attention to, often with the aim of drawing spiritual or practical lessons.

To consider is a command woven throughout Scripture. It is spoken of in the Bible 66 times. Here are a few examples, paraphrased:

Consider the poor.

Go to the ant ... consider her ways and be wise.

Consider the lilies of the field.

Consider yourself lest you also be tempted.

Consider how great this man was.

Consider what great things He has done for you.

Consider one another to provoke to good works.

Behold (consider) the fowls of the air.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap. 

Birds are the only animal found on every continent in the world. Birds are the only animals that have feathers (the evolutionists still can’t connect the dots on that one). There are over 2,400 different types of birds. There are thousands of different songs in the air. It would take a long time to consider each one. I am developing a deep appreciation for the birders in our midst.

Let’s consider the house sparrow. It is perhaps the most common of birds and surprisingly to me, one of the most controversial. 

Sparrows have been considered nearly worthless to humans, from ages before us and even now. They have been looked at as abhorrent for thousands of years.

In the ancient middle eastern marketplace, sparrows were sold (according to the Gospel of Luke) five for two pennies. They were then threaded onto long strings or jammed onto wooden skewers, then used as cheap food. The British poor made sparrow soup.

Sparrows are often called bland, dingy and dull, with songs that are grating. In 18th century England sparrow clubs were formed, their purpose being to kill as many sparrows as possible. In Russia, citizens’ taxes could be lowered by bringing in the heads of sparrows. Chairman Mao Tse-tung in China had a slogan: “Everyone, come to kill sparrows.” In ancient Sumerian cuneiform writing, the symbol for sparrow meant “enemy.” 

The New World has not been immune from sparrow hatred. By 1887, many states had efforts to eradicate the HOSP (abbreviation for the common house sparrow). New York made it a misdemeanor to feed, shelter or protect the sparrow in any way. Michigan paid one cent per dead bird. Although their numbers are now somewhat decreasing worldwide, the fight against them is still being waged by some here in the USA. 

We are partly to blame. We destroy native habitats and build the sorts of places sparrows thrive. Maybe we shouldn’t call them an invasive species; maybe we should call them a human-dependent species. They go where we go. They build where we build. Sparrows proliferate anywhere humans proliferate. They can be found in skyscrapers, oil pumps, stoplights and neon signs. 

Now let’s flip the script, or dare I say, let’s look at this subject counterintuitively. You see, God’s care for the sparrow is counterintuitive to our concept of them.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (penny)? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29, KJV)

Why consider the sparrow? For one thing, they teach us that our Father in Heaven loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Indeed, sparrows are a part of God’s show and tell.

As I write this I have a clear view of sparrows on my bird feeder (from my favorite chair).

A thought came to me: God’s eye is on this very same sparrow right now — on the other side of my binoculars. Although seemingly insignificant, I am learning that even sparrows have the tender attention of God.

As to God’s care for sparrows, I believe it is a picture of His immeasurable love for you and me. After much consideration, I’ve decided to share this with you:

How can I know that God loves me

Or His Son sacrificed on the tree?

I do not feel loved, not really at all

So I must be worthless — agree?

Why don’t I feel my love for the Lord?

Depression stabs me like a sword.

Emotions are buried down inside

There is nothing I have to record.

Then God flipped the script:

“I clothe the lilies, up from the ground.

I care for the sparrows, none ever unfound.

I let not one fall in obscurity

But there is one who is much more profound.

For the lilies and sparrows I truly care

And the sheep and the lions and the bears.

Yet above them all, please consider this:

I count every one of your hairs.”

For your additional consideration:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air and they will tell you. In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7, 10)

“Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest for itself where she may have her young.” (Psalm 84:3)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:1, 4)

“How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34b) [Jesus’s cry over Jerusalem]

Sometimes we believe the lie of “insignificance.” How does God’s attitude toward the most common bird in the world flip that script? 

Consider another of God’s creatures (insert name here). What do you learn about God from observing this animal?