When most people think of a cardinal, they usually imagine the bright red color of the male cardinal. The male clearly stands out in most backgrounds and is extremely hard to camouflage. Yet, most people consider the female to be dull or bland. But in the proper light the female is a beautiful bird in her own right. You do not need to be flashy to be beautiful. You do not need to be colorful to have people appreciate your beauty. God created the bird above just the way He wanted her, and she brings joy to Him. And He provides for her needs daily.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Does the beautiful cardinal above look worried? Does she look like she has been starving? Not at all. She looks content and well-fed. Jesus then adds, “Are you not more important than they?” It is a rhetorical question. Obviously, we are more important than they are. So, what is the point Jesus is trying to make? He is emphasizing our dependence upon God, our need to focus on Him, and our need to stop worrying.
Worry can be defined as the price we pay for trying to live tomorrow today. We have six bird feeders in our backyard. I have yet to see any bird carrying a bag and trying to take home seed for tomorrow. They eat today and will come back tomorrow for that day’s food. I do not think I have seen a bird sitting nervously in a tree shaking because it is worried if there will be food here tomorrow. But what I have seen is the birds actively working for the food that the Lord has provided for them. Their “work” is to simply eat what He has lovingly set before them. In Luke 12:6 Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins. Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.” Neither have we.
Comments