Read
Ezra 5:1-5
Meditate
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it. Ezra 5:5 (ESV)
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NRSV)
The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor. Proverbs 22:12 (ESV)
When we are children of the covenant in Jesus Christ, we are under the care of our sovereign God. This is a great comfort to us, especially in times of trials and difficulties in which we are tempted to doubt our Father's care and love for us.
His care for his people is expressed in Scripture in many ways. One of the ways his care for his people is expressed is found in Ezra 5 - "the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews." We see this expression of the eyes of the Lord in other passages as well. What does this mean? Does God have eyes?
This expression, "God's eyes," is what theologians call an anthropomorphism. It is ascribing human-like qualities to God. We know that God is spirit (Jn. 4:24). He does not have a body. So how should we understand these kinds of expressions in Scripture?
God does not literally have eyes, but he sees everything, he knows everything that happens. He is omniscient, all knowing. Nothing is hidden from his sight or better, his knowledge.
Psalm 139 is a great description of God's omniscience. David describes how God knows everything about him. He wrote, "Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether" (Ps. 139:4; ESV). God's knowledge extends to when David was hidden in his mother's womb (Ps. 139:13). Then he says, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance" referring to the Lord's knowledge of him at his very conception (Ps. 139:16a). God's knowledge encompasses all of David's days even before there were any (Ps. 139:16b). David is in awe and wonder at the great knowledge of God.
God's care for his children is not only that he knows everything about them, but that as the Scriptures above point out, he will support, strengthen, and help those who genuinely love and obey him. He is actively watching over his children to support them as they do his will.
Pray
Father in heaven, we praise your great and awesome name! We bless you for your great mercy toward us in Jesus Christ our Savior. We are humbled that you would care so much about us. Empower us to obey your Word from our hearts. Give us strength to do your will and bring glory to you in our family, worship, work, and leisure. Amen.
Rest
Listen to this song and rest in God's complete knowledge and care for you as his precious child.
Song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" (Performed by Mahalia Jackson) To listen click here.
Lyrics: "His Eye is on the Sparrow" (By Cevilla D. Martin)
1 Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
and long for heaven and home,
when Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.
Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, (I’m happy)
I sing because I’m free, (I’m free)
for his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.
2 “Let not your heart be troubled,”
his tender word I hear,
and resting on his goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
though by the path he leadeth
but one step I may see:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. [Refrain]
3 Whenever I am tempted,
whenever clouds arise,
when song gives place to sighing,
when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to him;
from care he sets me free:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. [Refrain]
(Lyrics found on www.hymnary.org)