Bird Watching

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?   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?”  Matthew 6:25-26

 

For the last couple of days, I have been intently watching a pair of birds as they construct a nest in the holly bush right outside my window.  They have been going at it now for two or three days, virtually non-stop.  The more I watch them, the more I have to resist the temptation to go out there and take a peek at what they have accomplished.  Their nest is no more than five feet away from the window, and I can see each bird as it flies into the bush, yet I cannot see the nest.

 

This is the same holly bush that was covered in red berries about a week or so ago.  As I finished my final papers for seminary, I watched birds by the dozens come and pick it clean.  One by one, berry by berry the birds took what they needed and flew off to feed their young.  Once the berries were gone I figured that the bush had served its purpose as far as the birds are concerned, but now it has been transformed from a bird feeder into a bird breeder.

 

Our yard, for all intents and purposes, is somewhat of a bird sanctuary.  We have plenty of trees and large bushes for them to nest in, and we also have put several bird feeders in the back yard.  For some cool water the birds will come to our goldfish pond and drink.  They also bathe in the water droplets that splash from the little fountain that circulates the water for the fish.  All in all, the birds in and around our yard have all they need provided for them.

 

We humans can learn plenty from watching the birds.  In this vast world of ours, God has given all that we need to live life abundantly.  There really is plenty of food that we can share amongst ourselves, an abundance of water to keep us satisfied, and plenty of other resources that we can use to provide shelter for those who have no place to lay their head.  The problem is that, unlike the birds that only use what they need, we humans over consume using all that we can.

 

In the face of thousands upon thousands of homeless and hungry people, much of the world is preoccupied with getting its fair share at the best possible price.  We run our heating and air units so we can be comfortable, and we enjoy grabbing a snack out of our pantries and refrigerators that are seemingly well stocked.  We live in a world corrupted by greed and the powers of self indulgence, and we protest against high fuel prices and the rising cost of groceries.  All the while, many who live in abundance neglect those who need the most, but have the least.

 

I do realize that there are many people who do share what they have with those in need, and no, this is not meant to throw a guilt trip on anyone for I am just as guilty as the next person.  No guilt trip, not unless you feel so inclined to be moved by guilt and read this post in such a light.  Still, through the simple act of watching two birds build their nest, we can be reminded that we are called to be stewards of all God has created.  Christians need not worry about the things we need to live life abundantly, God has already provided everything.  Living with this assurance, we should; however, recognize the freedom that comes with such abundance, and joyfully give of ourselves and our possessions so that those who are in greater need will realize the abundance of life with our Heavenly Father.

 

Gracious and generous God, just as you provided manna for the children of Israel so long ago, we know that you provide for your children today.  Guide us in the way of being good stewards of all you have entrusted into our care.  Empower and enable us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and provide shelter for the homeless.  Especially guide and direct the hearts of the church as we come to aid those affected by recent disasters, so that by our efforts, you are glorified.  We pray for this and all that you see we need in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

 

homeless hunger stewardship Sermon on the Mount prayer birds

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