(Jesus said) "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7

So, what are things worth? Most of the time I'm a pretty bad judge of such things.

For example, just a few weeks ago Action Comics No. 1 went on sale. Now, my father used to pay a nickel for the same comic book which cost me a dime or a quarter. I know prices have gone up over the years, so that's understandable.

Even so, I wasn't prepared to hear that Action Comics No. 1 recently sold for 1.5 million.

That's 1.5 million dollars.

The experts tell me this particular copy of Action Comics No. 1 is in very good shape. Indeed, it looks almost new. The experts say this is the comic book which introduced Superman and the concept of superheroes to the world. The experts say if you owned only one comic book, this is the one to have. Indeed, the experts say this comic book is worth $1.5 million dollars and more.

No, I'm not a good judge of what things are worth.

Want another example? How about you and me? In our text Jesus lets us know we are of more value than many sparrows. That's nice, but sparrows just aren't worth that much, are they?

So, what are we worth?

I'm sure if you called in an expert, he would say we're not worth very much at all. He would look at us and then, having completed his examination, he would report, "Their hearts and minds are blackened by sin; they're almost unrecognizable when they're compared to the kind of people God wanted them to be."

That's what the experts would say. On the other hand, God says He wants to save us from sin, death, and the devil. To do that He was willing to send His Son to live, suffer, and die for us. The risen Savior's sacrifice indicates God considers us very valuable indeed.

Knowing that, it is our duty as God's redeemed and adopted children, "to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him," according to Martin Luther.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world doesn't think I'm all that important or special. It saddens me to say in this they're probably right. This is why, today I ask You to forgive my sins and bring me to a greater appreciation of Your love and Jesus' sacrifice. This I pray in the Name of the Savior. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16    Luke 20:1-26

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