We will see the reasons for the decline in number:
1.Pollution
2.Decrease in agricultural lands
3. Cell phone towers and their signals
4. More usage of pesticides, fertilizers, plastics, chemicals etc.
Importance of these birds
1. Agents of dispersal i.e. helping seeds to grow in different lands
2. Bioindicators for pesticides, pollution, climatic change i.e. wherever these things are in abundant, the birds won’t survive there.
For example the China's first Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1958 ordered to kill sparrows because he believed that each bird ate nearly 4.5 Kg of grain/year. But nearly after 2 years, rather than an increase, the yield was decreased. About 20 million people died because of starvation, misuse of fertilizers and pesticides which spoiled the farm land permanently.
Biological control i.e. without much usage of pesticides and fertilizers sparrows increased the yield of the grain by eating the worms and other bugs.
Characteristics of house sparrows:
1. Living in a group, abundant and are everywhere except green land-. Togetherness and unity
2. Close to human habitats – Relationship with God and one another
3. Females chose the partner based upon his strength by dominating through fighting with other males, exposing their talents by singing, weaving the nests.
4. Male and female take care of the young ones together -As Christian both parents have responsibility to teach their kids the spiritual and moral values when they are young.
5. They are monogamous i.e. loyal to one partner. If one loses the partner, it cries alone.
In Old Testament the sparrows name was mentioned nearly 40 times. In Mathew and Mark gospels, Jesus Christ mentioned about these birds. In Jesus times the birds were abundant in Palestine and west Sea of Galilee. Jesus explained His principles with easy examples for everyone to understand.
During Moses time when one cannot afford ox, goat or doves he can offer these sparrows for their sin as well as skin cleaning offering Levi 14:4
In Mathew 10:29 Jesus mentioned that two sparrows are sold for one Penny, yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. You (we) are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 Do not be afraid about anything because the Heavenly father takes care of us.
Mathew 6:26 Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, they do not reap nor sow or store in barns but your heavenly father feeds them. You are more valuable than they. So do not worry about tomorrow.”
Psalm 84:3 ‘Even a sparrow has found a home, where she may have her young- a place near your altar. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.’ Like that we should also be very close to God and build our life on him.
Psalm 102: 7 the writer says, “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. If a bird loses its partner, it cries all alone. Sometimes no one can understand our grief except our Lord who is a consoler for our grieving heart. ‘Surely He carried our sorrows.’ Isaiah 53:5
As this sparrows decline in number Christian population is also going down
In the State of Tamil Nadu the Christian population is just 6% except K.K dist. which had nearly 44 %.
The reasons;
1. As God’s Children, what part are we playing in the Society? Can others see Jesus in our life and relationships? What is our thought on caste as well as social status? Genetic test like mitochondrial DNA tests (passing from mother to offspring’s and stored information) confirmed earlier showed that Dravidian civilization did not have any caste system. They are easily mingling with inflowing people from different parts of India. It seems Dravidian females always had their independence in choosing their life partner based upon bravery or strength tests. So we had a very strong genetic pool with intelligent and healthy population. Are we willing to accept others (believers) as one in Christ?
2. We have plenty of churches. Instead of bringing people from outside the fold to the living Savior, we are simply blaming traditional churches or finding fault with each other. But we forget to teach, it is not churches we are responsible for, it is our relationship with God because our bodies are the temple of the Holy spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19.
3. Teaching different doctrines away from Christ also confuses people. God’s love on Calvary and His Resurrection from death has to be shared with people around us. What a Savior we serve!
4. We criticized openly about our people and their activities. We have a very good role model our savior Jesus Christ. Even though Jesus knew that Peter who is going to deny Him at the end, Judas, who is going to betray Him with a kiss, He never criticized them for what they are going to do. He loved them till the end. Jesus has set an example for us to follow. ‘To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.’ 1 Peter 2:21
Sparrows are declined in number because of man made things. Like them we Christians also declining in number because of our own principles, ignorance and bad attitudes. We are called to be light and salt to this world. Let us show the world we are different by our actions, so others can see JESUS in us.
Shared by: Anitha Arun
05/15/14
05/15/14
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