No, I am not going to write an X-Files themed faith post, but the truth is out there, and up there, while also being right here. Now to the matter at hand.

People often wonder about the many censuses found in the Bible. Those dry accountings of people in ancient times. The accounting is important, and connected to biblical promise, but they also point us to something beautiful.

Messiah Yeshua/Jesus taught, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny and not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31).

When something is important to you, or dear to you, you check it, and care for it. The Lord counts His people so that each individual is reminded that He knows them, and has personally looked upon them. We matter to Him.

Yeshua goes further in His explanation, you were not just counted, but He has numbered the hairs of your head. What is He conveying?

Have you even snuggled with your child? Slowly stroking their hair? This is the level of intimacy and closeness Yeshua is referencing. You have not been numbered as some type of inventory; rather, you matter so much that the Father has seen you with such closeness as to know a seemingly insignificant detail.

Still, there is something more to a census, and its inclusion in the biblical record. It reminds us that we are not alone. We are part of a family, joined together for support, to be there for each other.

We are numbered in an innumerable Body (Rev. 7:9), precious in the sight of God and mattering more than we could ever know.

You matter. You are counted. You are precious. You are loved. He has called you by name. He gave His Son for you.

We are not alone.

No matter what you face today, your Father in heaven is there, stroking your hair, letting you know it will be alright (Matt. 10:31). May that be a comforting truth, not out there, but right here where you are.

Be well. Shalom.