Someone has said, "A bird on the wing has found man looking up in envy, but a hummingbird by the feeder can stir up within him how awesome is his God."

Hummingbirds have been called "flying jewels" or "flying marvels." Their agility and grace are truly fascinating as they flit from flower to flower in search of nectar. Bird watchers are captivated by them.

Did you know that our heavenly Father is a bird watcher too? But He's much more than a mere observer who marvels at what He has made. Rather, He knows, feeds, and constantly watches over all His creatures (Ps. 50:11; 147:9; Mt. 6:26).

Consider how Jesus used this truth to reassure His disciples. He had told them they would be hated, persecuted, and rejected. Then He said that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's will (Mt. 10:29), nor is one "forgotten before God" (Lk. 12:6). The disciples knew they were more valuable than birds (v.7), so they could be sure God would care for them.

Yes, tiny hummingbirds can stir within us a sense of God's awesomeness. But Jesus' words remind us that beyond the marvel of God's creative genius lies the marvel of His loving care for us.  — Dennis J. De Haan