“He will cover
you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his
faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4 NIV)
Several years ago,
National Geographic ran a disaster story with a picture that provided an
interesting perspective of the refuge under God’s wings.
National Geographic ran a disaster story with a picture that provided an
interesting perspective of the refuge under 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 on the ground at the base of a tree.
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 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 the 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.
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 the 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.
This mother bird
could have abandoned her chicks and flown to safety. Instead, she had refused
to abandon them, protecting them with her own wings. Then as the fire arrived
and the blazes scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast.
Because she was willing to die, so those under her wings would live.
could have abandoned her chicks and flown to safety. Instead, she had refused
to abandon them, protecting them with her own wings. Then as the fire arrived
and the blazes scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast.
Because she was willing to die, so those under her wings would live.
Such a sacrifice is
exactly what God did at Calvary through Jesus Christ for all humanity. He gave
his son so that everyone who believes in and hides under his sacrifice will not
perish but have eternal life.
exactly what God did at Calvary through Jesus Christ for all humanity. He gave
his son so that everyone who believes in and hides under his sacrifice will not
perish but have eternal life.
Dear Father, thank
you for the refuge under the wings of Calvary. Grant that we may rest in the
security of that refuge. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the refuge under the wings of Calvary. Grant that we may rest in the
security of that refuge. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today in God’s refuge,
courageous today in God’s refuge,