We know now that far from being the center of the cosmos, our earth is only a minor satelite of a second-rate star on the outer fringe of our galaxy, the Milky Way. And as our small solar system is to the milky Way, so the Milky Way is to the galaxies of outer space.
--From a space display at the Owensboro Natural Science Museum
So where are we in that immense scope?
But then, insignificant as were might think we are, are we not the most precious of all God's creations?
Consider these words of Jesus...and the lesson of "the fifth sparrow" † ...
"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground
without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
"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:
ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Audubon Area serves some of today's world's "fifth sparrows." They include: little children, the poor, the aged. It behooves us all to live humbly as the "miserable" creatures we are in the overall context of God's creation, but to live proudly as God's favored creation...always remembering the debt we truly owe one another in service, mutual commitment, and selfless love, even to those -- perhaps especially those -- who are not like us!
If today's world were reduced to a human population of 100 persons based on the proportionate actual numbers that exist, the breakdown would look like this:
| 57 would be Asian 21 would be European 14 would be North and South American 8 would be African 70 would be non-white 80 would live in substandard housing 50 would be malnourished |
50 of the wealth would be held by only 6 people... and they would be in the U.S. 70 would be unable to read 1 would be a college graduate |
Are we not blessed in order that we might be a blessing to others?
†From "The Fifth Sparrow," the March 8, 1998 sermon of Dr. John Laida, First Baptist Church, Owensboro. According to Dr. Laida, in Jesus' day sparrows were sold and used to make soup. Two could be purchased for a farthing (about one-half a cent in today's money), but five could be purchased for two farthings (about one cent) -- the "fifth sparrow," by custom, just "thrown in" at no cost by the shop keeper. It was considered as of "no consequence" to the day's business. Dr. Laida says there are many "fifth sparrows" in today's world as well...as noted above.