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: you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

Did you ever have a garage sale?

Pam and I have. We were amazed at what happened. By the end of the day the junk was gone and the good stuff was still in our garage. It's hard to understand why folks think some things are valuable, isn't it?

That point was driven home to me when Reuters carried a story telling how paintings done by a young Adolf Hitler had sold for 98,000 pounds. For us Yanks, that translates to $143,000. Even the sellers were shocked the bidding had gone that high.

I was, too. I've seen photographs of the art. They're not that good.

Of course, the value of the paintings is not in the quality of the art. The pictures brought in so much cash because someone, maybe a bunch of someones, wanted to own something that had been touched by one of the world's great villains. It's hard to understand how and why some folks value things.

That story got me to wondering. Adolf Hitler is an infamous dictator who plunged the world into a war that cost the lives of millions. Now, if his pitiful paintings are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars . . . .

How much more are you worth? Think about it. Jesus, the world's one-and-only Savior, spent 33-years, His entire life, dedicated to the purpose of making you the saved soul you are. No artist ever suffered as He did. No artist was ever as under appreciated as Him. No artist ever put more of Himself into His work than did Jesus.

How much are we worth? Jesus said it: "you are of more value than many sparrows." Looking at the manger, Calvary's cross, and the empty tomb, however, we must conclude we're worth far, far more than a great flock of sparrows. We are worth the life of God's own Son.

You, my friend, are a masterpiece who has value. That's what St. Paul meant when he said, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works . . . ." (Ephesians 2:10a).

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for Your work, which has saved me and transformed me, my thanks. No matter what the world thinks of me, You have given me value. Now, may I live as You wish me to live. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 4-6    John 7:1-27

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