Wednesday, August 21 Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid.​—Ps. 118:6

[Áine]

Wednesday, August 21

Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid.—Ps. 118:6.

 

Jehovah values us as individuals. Before sending out his apostles to preach, Jesus helped them to overcome their fear of opposition. (Matt. 10:29-31) He did so by talking about one of the most common birds in Israel: the sparrow. Those birds had little value in Jesus’ day. But he told his disciples: “Not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.” Then he added: “You are worth more than many sparrows.” Jesus thus assured his disciples that Jehovah valued them as individuals, so they had no reason to fear persecution. The disciples surely recalled Jesus’ words when they saw sparrows while preaching in towns and villages. Whenever you see a little bird, remember that Jehovah values you as an individual because you too “are worth more than many sparrows.” With his support, you can face opposition with confidence. w23.03 18 ¶12

[Dustparticle]

Odd, I was thinking about this 2 nights ago.

[daydream]

When Sparrows Fall: China's Great Famine

What a apt title for a video. 

 

Spoiler

 

Chairman Mao's campaign to eradicate sparrows as 'pests'... and led to in 45 million deaths in China's Great Famine. 

One egomaniac didn't appreciate the value of Jehovah's creation : a little sparrow. 

 

*** cl chap. 24 p. 241 par. 5 Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” ***
5 We may wonder why anyone would buy a sparrow. Well, in Jesus’ day the sparrow was the cheapest of the birds sold as food. Notice that for one coin of small value, a purchaser got 2 sparrows. But Jesus later stated that if a person was prepared to spend 2 coins, he got, not 4 sparrows, but 5. The extra bird was added as though it had no value at all. Perhaps such creatures were worthless in the eyes of men, but how did the Creator view them? Said Jesus: “Not one of them [not even the one added in] is forgotten by God.” (Luke 12:6, 7) Now we may begin to see Jesus’ point. If Jehovah places such value on a single sparrow, of how much greater worth is a human! As Jesus explained, Jehovah knows every detail about us. Why, the very hairs of our head are numbered!
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1102002049&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=8

Edited August 21 by daydream

[Dolce vita]

19 minutes ago, daydream said:

When Sparrows Fall: China's Great Famine

What a apt title for a video. 

 

  Hide contents

 

Chairman Mao's campaign to eradicate sparrows as 'pests'... and led to in 45 million deaths in China's Great Famine. 

One egomaniac didn't appreciate the value of Jehovah's creation : a little sparrow. 

 

*** cl chap. 24 p. 241 par. 5 Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” ***
5 We may wonder why anyone would buy a sparrow. Well, in Jesus’ day the sparrow was the cheapest of the birds sold as food. Notice that for one coin of small value, a purchaser got 2 sparrows. But Jesus later stated that if a person was prepared to spend 2 coins, he got, not 4 sparrows, but 5. The extra bird was added as though it had no value at all. Perhaps such creatures were worthless in the eyes of men, but how did the Creator view them? Said Jesus: “Not one of them [not even the one added in] is forgotten by God.” (Luke 12:6, 7) Now we may begin to see Jesus’ point. If Jehovah places such value on a single sparrow, of how much greater worth is a human! As Jesus explained, Jehovah knows every detail about us. Why, the very hairs of our head are numbered!
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1102002049&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=8

Terrible! I didn't know this part of Chinese history. When he explains that hungry people ate mud...😱

[Dustparticle]

3 hours ago, Dolce vita said:

Terrible! I didn't know this part of Chinese history. When he explains that hungry people ate mud...😱

 

 Cannibalism was involved too.

[dljbsp]

16 hours ago, Áine said:

Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid.—Ps. 118:6.

 

 

4 points to share

 

1. Jehovah’s Personal Care: The reference to sparrows serves as a metaphor to demonstrate how Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, pays close attention to even the smallest of His creations. If He cares so much for sparrows, which were considered of little worth, how much more does He care for each of us, who are made in His image and are His devoted servants.

2. Encouragement Against Fear: Jesus used this illustration to prepare his disciples for the opposition and persecution they would face. By reminding them of Jehovah’s care, Jesus helped them to overcome any fear. This same encouragement applies to us today. Knowing that Jehovah values us and is aware of every aspect of our lives gives us the confidence to face difficulties without fear.

3. Personal Value: The reminder that “you are worth more than many sparrows” is a powerful affirmation of our individual worth in Jehovah’s eyes. It emphasizes that Jehovah sees each of us as unique and valuable, not just as part of a group but as individuals. This thought can be especially comforting when we feel insignificant or overwhelmed by our circumstances.

4. Practical Application: Every time we see a sparrow or any small bird, we can be reminded of Jehovah’s deep care for us. It serves as a visual reminder that we are not alone and that Jehovah is watching over us, supporting us in our trials, and valuing us beyond measure.