Wednesday, July 7th, 2021

Equality is a word we hear often in the news, as our nation was founded upon principles of equality and freedom. Equality can be applied to many facets of life, but one even Jesus understood is not worth striving for is equality of earthly outcome. He knew that in the world, sinful as it is, some things will be valued more than others. It is in seeking equality of earthly outcome above all else that we sacrifice our relationship with the Lord. In the end, focusing on creating equality of earthly outcomes really boils down to focusing on equality of money and power – neither of which are fruits of the Spirit. In this world and in this life, we will all have different values to society, but what matters is that we all have equal value to God. Jesus taught, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” To make his point, Jesus points to how inexpensive a group of sparrows are – they cost next to nothing – they are not highly valued in the world; however, not one of them is forgotten by God. Not only that, but God knows every detail of them, like he knows every hair on our heads. This is a challenging teaching by Jesus because is directly refutes what and who the world says we should value. It teaches that earthly equality of outcome is not worth our focus because heavenly equality is already pre-ordained by the blood of Jesus. There is so much evil in this world that could be avoided if we only better understood God’s love for us. Today, rest in the knowledge that no matter what the world tells you your value is, in God’s eyes, you are valued the same as anyone else.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:4-7 NIV