The birds came back today!
Our first real promise of spring winged their way into our yard this afternoon, chirping and singing and eating and drinking—a large party of robins, woodpeckers, starlings, orioles, juncos. We threw open the windows to watch and listen to this late-winter gift, knowing it would only last a short while. This happens every year as the migratory flocks return from their warmer homes in the south, and we always stop whatever we’re doing to savor the spectacle.
And it does mean spring is not far off!
It’s funny, I’d been thinking about birds just yesterday. A couple of verses in my Bible reading moved me with such a touching picture of God’s great heart. This passage is where God was laying out his laws to His people, showing what His love should look like when lived out in our lives.
“If a bird’s nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall surely let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7)We’re talking about birds here! He ties His blessing on our lives to how we live with justice and compassion, just as He does. He cares about and places high value on the whole of His created world, even down to the smallest and most helpless of creatures.
Jesus showed us the Father’s heart, too, using birds to illustrate.
He spoke about worry:
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature.” (Matthew 6:26-27)And about fear:
“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. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)It was a wonderful reminder today…the loving God who cares for these little creatures wants us free from worry, free from fear. We’re treasured and valued and cared for by the God of the universe, and nothing about our lives is outside of His loving care and will. I hope that comforts you as much as it does me.
And...spring is coming!
We already have daffodils ("Easter flowers") in East Tennessee. His care for the sparrows is indeed comforting. Thank you for pointing us UP today!
ReplyDeletein HIM, Gin
We haven't seen any birds like that yet, but this post is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing from your heart. :)
ReplyDeleteOur robins don't leave anymore. Very encouraging verses to read. We are so loved.
ReplyDeleteWow, spring birds already, how wonderfu!!! I've always loved those verses about the birds -- and the promise of prolonging our days if we have compassion for a bird family is just so dear. I even have a tapestry pillow on my big chair with Matthew 6 on it. It's hard to believe that spring is right around the corner being we have 7.5" of snow on the ground and expecting a snowstorm today thru tomorrow of an additional 6-12", but we need the moisture and I know it won't last long. Have a blessed day my friend!
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