His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
It’s one of the most beloved hymns of all time, and we’re going to talk about it today on the Bible for Busy People as we continue to go bird watching together and see what God has to say about these creatures with wings that sing and build nests for their families, and show us on the daily that if God is going to take care of them, he’s certainly going to take care of us. We begin today with a story.
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Transcription:
His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me. It’s one of the most beloved hymns of all time, and we’re going to talk about it today on the Bible for Busy People as we continue to go bird watching together and see what God has to say about these creatures with wings that sing and build nests for their families, and show us on the daily that if God is going to take care of them, he’s certainly going to take care of us. We begin today with a story. This was written by Civilla Martin .
Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle-true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience.
How incredible is that? The boundless faith of a couple who was going through trial after trial inspired one of the greatest hymns of all time. You can take heart today, if you’re going through a storm in life. If you are singing in the dark as some birds do, God is with you. Join me today for our scripture reading in Luke chapter 12, beginning in verse one.
Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other.
We’re going to skip down to verse 13. I just wanted you to know how many people were gathered around like bees drawn to honey to hear the words of the Lord. Verse 13 now.
Then someone called from the crowd, Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me. Jesus replied, friend who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that. Then he said, Beware. Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own. Then he told them a story. A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, what should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops. Then he said, I know I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods, and I’ll sit back and say to myself, my friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, you fool, you will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with God.
Is Jesus an awesome storyteller or what? All right, verse 22.
Then turning to his disciples. Jesus said, That is why I tell you not to worry about your everyday life. Whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear, for life is more than food and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns for God feeds them and you are far more valuable to him than any birds. Can all your worries at a single moment to your life, and if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
All right, we’re skipping down to verse 32 now, because this is the Bible for Busy People. Jesus continues,
So don’t be afraid, little flock.
Isn’t that such a tender expression?
For it gives your father great happiness to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven and the purses of heaven never get old, or develop holes.
Wow.
Your treasure will be safe. No thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is there, the desires of your heart will also be.
This is a little reprise from our first bird watching expedition this week. It’s Luke’s account. Earlier this week, we studied Matthew’s account of Jesus speaking to the crowd and sharing these encouraging words, but you know what this week has been about? God just put it on my heart right now. It’s been about provision and how he provides for us. You know what it says in Psalm 50, God tells us,
For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.
This week has been about two things. His eye is on you. He sees all your needs and all the desires of your heart, and he will provide for you. He will take care of you. I want to conclude our bird watching expedition today with the words to the beloved hymn.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me…
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me…
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me…
Cast your cares on the Lord Jesus, as Peter instructs us to do in his first letter, for he cares for you. You are loved.
Thank you so much for listening to the Bible for Busy People. If you need prayer or you’re ready to go a little deeper in your faith, we’ve posted some resources for you in our show notes. We’d love for you to share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review. It helps us reach even more people with the hope of Jesus. This podcast is part of Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life.
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