Description
“Even the Sparrow….”
Artwork by Lisa-Colette Martin
Acrylic on canvas 6”W x 12”H
This artwork is inspired by song, nature’s beauty and the poetry of Psalms. I’ve used a sparrow’s small existence that is typically overlooked and dismissed to point to God as a loving Caretaker. I chose a small canvas and radial composition to hone in on a minute environment that brings this sparrow into our focus. The sparrow’s existence is insignificant, yet God provides even for this creature. We don’t have to be perfect any more than a sparrow to receive the love, care and provision of God. Matthew 6:25-26[1] Look at the birds of the air, they don’t sow, reap or store food, yet they are fed. Nothing goes unnoticed by God, even the sparrow; so how much more does He love us [the human race]?! God cares about and knows about every detail. Just as we can zoom in on a single snapshot of life, God’s awareness of all the snapshot events and happenings are simultaneous, overwhelming, and incomprehensible in our finite human terms. Although the capacity of God’s love is incomprehensible by our human experience, we can glean understanding by examples and comparisons. Illustrating this concept in a story-like way brings us closer to Him when scripture is framed in a way that’s relateable. Compassion of this magnitude is awe -striking to me.
The song ‘Sparrows’[2] by Jason Gray was the initial spark of inspiration for this artwork. The lyrics portray the caring and all-knowing aspects of God. God knows us and meets us where we’re at. Psalm 84:1-4[3] alludes to a place where we have belonging and safety: ‘…Even the sparrow has found a home…’ Matthew 10:29-31[4] God urges us not to worry, but instead allow faith in Him to build.
What a wonderful thing to have God pursuing us with such unrelenting and abundant love. It gives me reason to have a full heart and it helps me not get caught up in what others think of me.
[1] Matthew 6:25-26 Therefore [God says], do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more then food and the body more then clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns (store); yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they?
[2] “Sparrows” Lyrics and music by Jason Gray, Mia Fieldes and Jonathan Smith 2016 “If He can hold the world, He can hold this moment. Not a field or flower escapes His notice. Even the sparrow knows He holds tomorrow.
[3] Psalm 84:1-4 How lovely is Your tabernacle Lord Almighty! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young-even Your altars, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will be praising you.
[4] Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered [by God]. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
