In Cantonese, the phrase “Watch
Over” (tai2 zyu6) has three meanings. First, it means to
take care of someone or something. For example, I might say to a friend, “Go enjoy your trip! I’ll look after your cat at home.” Second, it can mean to monitor someone. For instance, a
police officer might say, “I’m watching your every move, so don’t break the law.” Third, it can mean being careful and watching out. For example, “Watch your health—don’t overeat.” After reflecting on today’s
scripture (Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52), I think of the phrase as a reminder: “The
Lord watches over us”.
God's providence
First, Jesus talks about
the Kingdom of Heaven as the mustard seed and yeast. The question isn’t just
whether the mustard seed can grow into a tree; it also involves whether it is
watered and planted in good soil. The so-called natural growth is, in reality, God’s
quiet providence. Some of us are in our thirties, forties, and fifties, while I
am in my sixties. It is incredible to think that we, who were once in need of
care, now know how to care for others. We, who once lacked self-confidence,
have developed great capabilities. However, this does not imply that our growth
is without challenges. Along the way, we face storms, floods, or droughts that
can affect our development. As we grow, our branches break, and our trunks may grow
crooked, but these scars do not stop us. We grow in our unique shape. Every
tree is different, and comparison is meaningless. We don’t become great trees
merely by chance or natural upbringing. Our growth is nurtured by the care of
our parents, family, mentors, and the countless people—known and unknown—who
have believed in our potential, along with the unwavering support of our
Heavenly Father. Even if you are currently facing difficulties, whether they
are health-related or concerning our relationships, we should trust in the
Lord’s ongoing watchfulness. Like mustard seeds, we carry God-given potential,
and God continues to watch over us. In return, let us uplift one another through
genuine care and faith in what life is.
We are precious in God's eyes
Second, Jesus talks about
the Kingdom of Heaven just like the merchant who sold everything for a
pearl of great price. God doesn’t just watch over us to make us grow like
trees; He watches over us because He sees immense value in who we are. In the eyes of parents, every child is a precious treasure. For the sake
of their children, parents often make immense
sacrifices—relocating, emigrating, or setting aside their own careers. This might reflect our own childhood experiences. However, the real
world isn't always so ideal. Some parents fail to fulfill their
responsibilities for various reasons, causing their children to endure
different forms and degrees of pain or abuse. Many of us can relate to this
experience. As we grow up, many of us carry those wounds, silently wondering if we are truly valued
by our families, employers, or society, or if our worth is tied solely to our
performance.
If the Kingdom of
Heaven represents a precious treasure, then are we not also seen as precious
treasures in the eyes of our Heavenly Father? This is not just a belief; our Heavenly Father
was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ, for our sake. The way the Father looks after
us is not about what we have achieved; it is purely about love—absolute love. Even when we stumble, get hurt,
make mistakes, feel lost, or face rejection, the Father continuously watches
over us with tender care. In
His eyes, each one of us is an irreplaceable treasure.
Guard our hearts
Third, Jesus talks about the
Kingdom of God as a net being thrown into the sea, catching fish of every kind,
good and bad, and God will separate them. The church is not identical to the
Kingdom of Heaven, but the Kingdom of Heaven lives within the church. In any
church, you will find both the righteous and the wicked; those who pretend to
be righteous and those who pretend to be evil; those who have been wronged and
those who wrong others. In many ways, the church reflects the messiness of
wider society. However, one thing is certain: in the Kingdom of Heaven, what is
real cannot be fake, and what is fake cannot be real. When we say that the Lord
watches over us, it means nothing is hidden from His sight. Human
beings may plot, but God sees all. The lies, distortions, and
atrocities committed by the wicked are all recorded. Though we may feel
indignation toward those who do wrong, we must not allow them to turn us into
evil, cold, or cynical. The Kingdom of Heaven has been planted in our hearts
and exists among us (Luke 17:21)—we must guard our hearts,
so its beauty is not corrupted by resentment. When the Lord “watches over” us, it
is our assurance that injustice will not reign forever. He will hold all things
accountable, guard what is right, and preserve His Kingdom to the end.
A paradox
What I have shared so far is very positive and encouraging, but the reality is quite different. At 1 am today, I received a message from my friend overseas informing me that his wife has a serious accident and is now in surgery. He asked for prayers. This situation has made me reflect on what it truly means when we say that "God watches over us." I have come to understand that this phrase is not a magical promise to protect us from misfortune or hardships; instead, it is a belief that arises from our struggles. God cares for us, grieves with us, and ultimately saves us.
