September 14, 2013

Matthew 23:37 — O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

I’m writing devotions here, so I’m not fool enough to suggest the Almighty is ever forgetful — so I’m just going to say it’s odd that you can’t find a duck anywhere in the Bible. The only hint is the reference to “fatted fowl” as part of Solomon’s daily provision in 1 Kings 4:23.
It was ducks that reminded me of Jesus’ beautiful words. The recent torrential rains have turned the end of our yard that runs down to the lake into a mini wetland. (Actually, I think “lake” is a bit grand, but I suppose the developers didn’t want to lay claim to a “pond”!). We have a family of coots — Mom and maybe 10 or so chicks. They were living in some reeds at the waters edge, but were displaced as the waters rose.
A few days ago we were delighted to hear that they had returned, as the long grass had turned into that mini wetland.
When I came from work on Friday Myra told me of something that had filled her with wonder. Momma Coot set up a loud alarm cry — on, and on it went, and the chicks froze. In complete obedience and trust, they never moved a feather. Myra looked to see the cause of the alarm, and saw a menacing hawk circling the lake, high above, seeking who he could devour. While the hawk circled, the mother cried. While the mother cried, the chicks stayed still.
When the hawk left, momma’s call changed, and the chicks went to her, gathered safe and sound under her wings.
Now I don’t know much about ducks, so I don’t know if our little coot family is typical, but how sensible they seem to me and how good an example we might take for them.
When danger threatens, and satan circles above seeking who he can devour, might we not be best advised to look for our protector and stay safe and still under the protection of His voice?
The Israelites “would not”. They knew what He was talking about. Their own Rabbis would talk of those who converted to Judaism as “coming under the wings of the Shekinah (the glory of God). Although it is not closely documented in the gospels, it is clear that Jesus had gone to them time and again, but they had refused Him. Not just Jerusalem, but all Israel rejected the Messiah. We dare not do the same.
See the risk. Here the call. Run to shelter once the danger moves aside, if only for a moment.