"Whether we are pursuing our cherished creatures or following the crucified Christ, may we never lose our way."
Luke 12:24 says “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” This is where Jesus teaches us not to worry. Like He always did, He took something known to teach something unknown.
Don’t worry. God’s got this. OK. I get that. But, I believe there’s another lesson to be learned here. God's existence, His goodness, and provisions for all creation is evident in His care of animals and birds. Instinctual actions and reactions protect wild creatures from danger. Animals are naturally afraid of humans. A deer blows when it senses danger. An alligator can do an amazing imitation of a log when trying to hide.
The Bible tells us why this is in Genesis 9:2 that says “The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea;”
One of the best examples I have ever witnessed personally came in the form of a wood duck hen. Now for the story: A buddy of mine and I were bass fishing along a small creek near our hometown. As I approached a steep bluff over the creek, a small wood duck hen exploded out of the water. She would take flight on wobbly wings and then faceplant into the muddy water. She would try to get airborne again only to loudly hit the water. Her actions commanded my attention.
I called to my buddy who was across the creek and pointed her out and said “Look, a cripple.” My friend approached his side of the creek to get a better look and then said “Nope, she’s just being a mama.” When I looked at him, he was pointing below my feet. As I peered over the edge of the bluff, I could see 4 little baby wood ducks struggling to stay together in the gentle current.
We left the babies alone and continued fishing but with every bend we rounded, we were met with another display of God-given ability to protect her young. She believed she was drawing us away from her babies and when she was satisfied we were far enough away, she magically cured herself of her broken wing, took flight and doubled back to her brood. Nobody taught her to do that. God instilled that ability into her genetic code to protect her and her young. His goodness was obvious but He says you are many more times more valuable than a duck.
Pause to think about how God provides for you - clothing, shelter, food, medical care, health, and things to enjoy! These things tell us that God places immense value on all human life. He values us so much that He provided a Way for us to spend all eternity with Him in Heaven. That Way is found only in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still, and know that I am God." Quit overthinking it. Be still. Calm down and know that God is in control and He doesn’t need your advice.
Make it a point to think on God's providential care of all creatures. If He can teach a duck to provide protection for its 2 ounce baby, then what on earth are you worried about?
Like the Ben Dupree-Author page on Facebook for book ordering information, speaking engagement bookings and future book release dates.
Don’t worry. God’s got this. OK. I get that. But, I believe there’s another lesson to be learned here. God's existence, His goodness, and provisions for all creation is evident in His care of animals and birds. Instinctual actions and reactions protect wild creatures from danger. Animals are naturally afraid of humans. A deer blows when it senses danger. An alligator can do an amazing imitation of a log when trying to hide.
The Bible tells us why this is in Genesis 9:2 that says “The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea;”
One of the best examples I have ever witnessed personally came in the form of a wood duck hen. Now for the story: A buddy of mine and I were bass fishing along a small creek near our hometown. As I approached a steep bluff over the creek, a small wood duck hen exploded out of the water. She would take flight on wobbly wings and then faceplant into the muddy water. She would try to get airborne again only to loudly hit the water. Her actions commanded my attention.
I called to my buddy who was across the creek and pointed her out and said “Look, a cripple.” My friend approached his side of the creek to get a better look and then said “Nope, she’s just being a mama.” When I looked at him, he was pointing below my feet. As I peered over the edge of the bluff, I could see 4 little baby wood ducks struggling to stay together in the gentle current.
We left the babies alone and continued fishing but with every bend we rounded, we were met with another display of God-given ability to protect her young. She believed she was drawing us away from her babies and when she was satisfied we were far enough away, she magically cured herself of her broken wing, took flight and doubled back to her brood. Nobody taught her to do that. God instilled that ability into her genetic code to protect her and her young. His goodness was obvious but He says you are many more times more valuable than a duck.
Pause to think about how God provides for you - clothing, shelter, food, medical care, health, and things to enjoy! These things tell us that God places immense value on all human life. He values us so much that He provided a Way for us to spend all eternity with Him in Heaven. That Way is found only in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still, and know that I am God." Quit overthinking it. Be still. Calm down and know that God is in control and He doesn’t need your advice.
Make it a point to think on God's providential care of all creatures. If He can teach a duck to provide protection for its 2 ounce baby, then what on earth are you worried about?
Like the Ben Dupree-Author page on Facebook for book ordering information, speaking engagement bookings and future book release dates.