And will he feed his birds and
starve his children? John Macduff, Looking Unto Jesus,
1856. Look at the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than
they? From the general care of God
for these lower creatures, with what confidence may we infer
God's special care for His people, who are His by so many close
and tender ties? Are the birds of the air fed?
Do they find their food provided by a hand which they cannot recognize? Does He who gave them being,
and who has assigned them to their appointed place in the
ranks of creation, supply their daily needs, so that none of
their species perish for lack of sustenance, but continue from
age to age a standing monument of His providential goodness?
And will He feed His birds and starve His children? Will He
care for the one and neglect the other? It cannot possibly
be. The Savior refers to their comparative
value and asks, Are you not of more value than they? You are
rational creatures, spiritual creatures, immortal creatures,
yes, redeemed creatures, and therefore unspeakably more important
than the birds are. If He then cares for them, oh,
will He not care for you? In connection with the above
consideration, we may refer to the relationship which exists
between God and His people. He is their Father, and they
are His sons and daughters. Now, a kind earthly father has
it in him as a natural instinct to care for his children. His
heart is set upon helping, supporting, directing, comforting, and blessing
them. Such a concern has he for their
well-being, that scarcely any sacrifice is deemed too costly,
by which that concern shall appear in practical manifestation. And
if his concern for them should be repaid by nothing but ingratitude,
as alas! is often the case, yet even this
cannot destroy his affections and feelings. And if earthly
fathers care for their children, will not our heavenly Father
care for His? If they are full of concern for
their offspring, then is it to be supposed that He who implanted
those kindly principles in their hearts can be unconcerned about
His offspring? Look at the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns. yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than
they? Matthew 6, 26