God’s Currency

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

When I was a child, finding a penny on the ground made my day. With it, I could buy a gum ball at the grocery store, or if I collected ten, I could afford one of the bouncy rubber balls from the dispenser next to the gum ball machine.

Not long ago, however, I walked right by a penny in a parking lot. In a nanosecond, I decided that stooping to pick it up wasn’t worth the effort. After all, about the only time I use pennies now is when trying to give exact change to a cashier so I can avoid getting more of them!

Interestingly, Jesus found great value in pennies (okay, the copper coins of His day) as a teaching tool. When talking with His disciples about the troubles to come, He urged them not to worry. After all, God was aware of every sparrow, each of which was worth less than one copper coin. He added, “The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid” (Matthew 10:30-31). Only our awesome almighty God, who controls world events and establishes leaders (see Daniel 2:21), is big and powerful enough to track the tiniest details in our lives.

Later, Jesus watched wealthy worshipers dropping gifts in the Temple collection box. Along came a poor widow, who dropped in two small copper coins. Why did He commend this woman? “They have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has” (Luke 21:4). Only our compassionate Creator, who loves us and longs for our love in return, prizes the smallest sacrifices offered with the greatest love.

In God’s economy, the seemingly small and insignificant never go unnoticed. If you feel forgotten today, remember that Christ sees you and will provide all that you need. If you wonder whether your contribution—of time, talents, or treasure—is too small to make a difference, remember that God evaluates each offering, not on its size, but on the heart from which it is given.

Rest Assured

Lord, thank You for assigning worth even to those things that the wider world views as insignificant. Help me to rest in Your watchful care and to give generously from a grateful heart.

Rest in Him: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5