More Than a Symbol

​Yesterday I was driving in an area of the community where a creek ran through, under the road.  The banks were filled with trees, the ground covered with green growth.  It was a slow traffic moment and I’m glad of that.  For a short time it was an opportunity to look down the little stream.  That’s when I saw the eagle.  He was probably fishing.  During the few moments I was able to watch he worked from one over-hanging limb to another, always looking down into the water.

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Birds fascinate me.  I admit it.  I’m not what anyone would call an ornithologist, or even an avid bird watcher.  Even so, their energy and movement always impress me.  This is especially true when I see some of the larger species.  Their flight patterns and mastery of the air capture my attention and imagination.  Even though the eagle I saw was not in full flight he was majestic in his concentration.

​Scripture makes dozens of references to birds.  Often they are spoken of in ways that reveal a humble scope of function.  In Matthew’s sixth chapter the Lord tells us “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”  On another occasion, He said even not a single sparrow falls from the sky outside of God’s attention.

​There is another imagery involving birds.  This calls thoughts of a mighty eagle to mind.  God gave this insight to Moses and it is recorded for us in Psalm 91.

 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
​Psalm 91:1-4

​The same One, the Creator of every beautiful bird and the panoply of stars, the same One who designed and set the course of rivers and commanded the changes of season; He is the One who created you.  He is the One who loved you from before the beginning of time and the One who loves you today.  He is the One who is your refuge and fortress.  Of all of this you can be absolutely certain because His Son, our Lord Jesus came here for the true purpose of making us the protected and treasured children of the Most High God.

The next time you see the magnificent flight of Canadian Geese, cruising through the air in harmony with each other, remember that He who designed them and enables them to go from day to day has designed you and has enabled you to go from day to day and to the eternal Day.  Your faith, a gift from our loving Heavenly Father, is the wings under which you are protected.  Thanks be to our Lord Jesus.

​Pastor Rod