This week as I have sat on my porch taking in the various people walking their dogs, or bicyclists biking, or runners runner, and couples walking; I could not help but notice the many birds flying. The thought came to me about how they were not abiding by the “social distancing” or “shelter-at-home” order recently imposed by the governor.
As I watched the sparrows, the wrens, the doves, and hawks flying by, it seemed they were happy and carefree. They flew above me in pairs and in is large groups; some flitting this way and that, while others casually moved across the sky.
The birds reminded me of several verses of scripture in both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible. In one place in the Old Testament, King Solomon mentions walking by the field of a lazy person. The Message Bible describes it something like this. “The field preached me a sermon, and I listened.” I thought, “These birds are preaching me a sermon. I better listen.”
In the New Testament, Jesus makes a comment about the value of a sparrow. He tells his disciples that the bird has no care for food, clothing, or shelter; God takes care of him. He continues by saying that God even notices the death of the sparrow. Each of the birds I noticed this week seemed healthy, in good shape, and carefree about their life. Some seemed to be on assignment, traveling in a straight line to a certain destination; while others seemed to be simply enjoying the day.
My thoughts turned to the mass of humanity in the world. As a whole, we—humankind—are fearful, anxious, and panicked about the next 30-days. We are hoarding food and supplies as though they are the last we will see. We are pushing and shoving our way to get the last can of tuna or dozen eggs. It is not a pretty scene. To be sure, this isn’t the case with everyone; but it an all too common scene.
The story of Jesus and the sparrow reminds us that God the Father takes care of his own. It reminds us that we are of much value to him. The story should remind us that we, like the birds, can move about—even in our “lockdown” situation—carefree, enjoying life, knowing that we are taken care of.
In another place in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul tells us that God will take care of everything we have need of. This means the food, clothing, and shelter will be there. The provision for taking care of bill paying will be there—perhaps not in a way we think.
It is important to get the picture that a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, brings about such a line of thinking. Spending time reading the Bible helps us gain an understanding of a God who cares. Talking to him—even though we do not see or hear him—puts us in a position to hear, or see, him answer or move in our lives.
A close personal relationship with the godhead is knowing him, spending time with him, as opposed to spending a few moments at a spectator event. I am amazed at the number of Christian ministers on-line articles about staying close to God while away from the “church.” Friends stay in touch, no matter the situation. A close personal relationship with the godhead keeps us in touch with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, regardless of lockdown.
Enjoy your week; who knows, perhaps the creatures in your world will preach you a sermon.