A Natural Warning
Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. Ezekiel 3:17
By now, you have all figured out that I am a true nature lover! I watch the habits of my feathered friends and listen intently to their chitter-chatter. It is like a symphony to my ears every day when Mr. Grumbles and I go out for our short walks. Now we add the woodchucks, squirrels and bunnies and my heart is full.
As we stroll, I often use that time for prayer or reflection on a verse. But this day, my ears pick up a noticeable volume increase. They are no longer twittering but are screaming. And then dead silence follows. The kind of silence that makes you wonder if you’ve been left behind.
Not a bird sings. There are no more robins pulling worms out of the damp soil. No birds are even visible. Not one starling at the feeder. All the squirrels and bunnies have disappeared. What happened? Carefully I look around; a predator of some kind must be lurking nearby. I see it, high in the tree! A hungry hawk has come for a meal. This time of year, they will raid bird nests and take the babies for a snack.
The mere fact that these feathered creatures warn each other of danger boggles my mind. In my research on this phenomenon, I discovered that the smaller birds are often first to send the warning calls usually ending with the blue jays and crows because they are larger and louder. But all the locals sound an alarm.
In God’s world, every living thing has a purpose. We are included in this statement. When is the last time you gave someone a warning of spiritual danger? I know, it can be very awkward but are we more concerned with our comfort zone or their spiritual life? Aren’t we to watch out for others?
Our approach makes a huge difference. There are times when we need to be very direct—pointing out the approaching menace. That, dear friends, is not meddling; it is protecting. We all have those memories of wishing someone had told us what would happen if we did such and such. If a relationship is deep enough, most of the time a gentle guiding touch is all that is required.
If little birds can save each other’s’ lives, we can certainly make an effort to do the same.
Father God, You provide, protect and continually love us. Help us to do the same for others. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston