Sunday, March 4, 2007

Sermon Follow Up

Thank you, Jan, for this beautiful story. At one point in the week, I had it in the text of the sermon, but I wasn't sure I could tell it without tears, so I decided to omit it. But it is beautiful.

God's Wings

A little something to put things in perspective.
An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an
interesting picture of God's wings.

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One Ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched
statuesque-ly on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.
The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast.
Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)

Jan added:
Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.

1 comment:

Kansan said...

I didn't think it was possible to paint a more eloquent picture of a "mother hen" and the "fox" than you did today. Amazing--and why do I not even remember hearing that scripture in the past? I will certainly remember it now!
The story, which I had heard before but not in this context, will be another image that will come to mind when I hear this scripture. THANKS!!!!
Looking forward to next week's scripture!