More than the hairs of my head

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care, and even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

Jesus sent out His beloved disciples prepared to encounter persecutions like arrest, betrayal, and floggings. To help them persevere these hardships He gives a vivid and intimate picture of God’s care, a reminder that nothing that happens to them will get past His notice. In fact, nothing about them at all is unknown to God. He knows even the hairs of their head. They are precious to Him.

If you looked at my brush each day, you would know that the amount of hair I have is constantly changing. Yet God knows so much about me He knows every strand; at any given moment. He not only knows me intimately, He knows me currently. Jesus is making this clear.

Since Jesus quotes the Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) frequently, could there be a hint, or remez, in His admonition? When Jesus mentions the numbered hairs, His audience would have immediately recalled the Psalms. King David, cries out and begs for mercy because His troubles are many – they are more than the hairs on his head. So when Jesus says He knows how many hairs they have, it suggests He knows about each trouble.

For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. Psalm 40:12-13

David asks for deliverance from his enemies in this Psalm and says God heard and rescued him. Maybe Jesus is hinting that He was the Answerer of those calls and is telling them, “I know everything you’re going to face. Your troubles will be many but I will hear and help you.”

God not only knows me, He knows the troubles that afflict me. He knows each and every one. I don’t face persecution like those disciples did but I still live in a world with adversity and chaos. I’m confident He is watching over me with care. I can trust in the merciful One whose love and faithfulness will protect and ultimately deliver me.

May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You, may those who long for Your saving help always say, “The Lord is great! Psalm 40:14-16