Sermon Snippet – Sparrow Song
INTRODUCTION – Like most people, I like birds. I used to be better at identifying them and their songs, but my enjoyment of both is now more general, for I do not have much time to watch them (and my mind is not as quick to remember things as it used to be). Perhaps the sparrow is not high on a birdwatcher’s list, but the Bible speaks eloquently of this songbird.
1. THE SCRIPTURAL SPARROW SINGS OF SORROW
We studied the subject of sadness last week, and this point builds on that Biblical teaching. Psalm 102:7 is a picture of forlornness: “I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.” I have known some of God’s lonely sparrows, people bruised by bereftness. Whether by crushing circumstances, betrayal, or even the death of one close to us, each one of us may feel “alone upon the house top.” The first verse of the sparrow’s song is heartachingly hard – but it is honest. It is part of this life.
2. THE SCRIPTURAL SPARROW SINGS OF THE SAVIOR’S SOLICITUDE
In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus teaches, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Not even “one” sparrow is ever truly alone, for God has not “forgotten” the sad songster of Psalm 102:7. The simple message of our Savior is that He is aware of all of the details of our lives, cares about us, and provides for us. His offer of salvation demonstrates His active concern: “Also I say unto you, ‘Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God’” (Luke 12:8). The second verse of the sparrow’s song is an affirmation of our Lord’s abiding affection.
3. THE SCRIPTURAL SPARROW SINGS OF SETTLEDNESS
In the lovely Psalm 84, we find the sparrow safely nestled in the presence of God: “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God” (verse 3). Here, the sparrow is not alone – has never been alone. The third verse of the sparrow’s song tells us that we can settle in next to Him, safe and secure, with a strong purpose for living each day. The fourth verse extends this serene symbolism of settledness to His heavenly home, for the earthly tabernacle is based upon the model of heaven itself.
CONCLUSION – “Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Selah” (Psalm 84:4). Redemption of the entire creation awaits us and includes the single sparrow of Psalm 102:7 (see Romans 8:18-30; note especially verse 21, where “creature” means creation – the entire creation). Because mankind is created in the image of God, each one of us possesses a will, a will that must make a decision about the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each person must choose to enter into a redemptive relationship with Him. When we do, we can begin to sing the sparrow’s song from Scripture.