THE Lord Jesus made frequent mention of “birds of the air,” and used them as emblems of the great truths He taught. We are all familiar with the “sparrow on the housetop” (Psa. 102.7), the “raven” of the field (Luke 12:24), and the “songsters” (S. of Sol. 2:12) of the grove. And from each we may learn a truth, clearly made known in the Word of God for our instruction.
A FLEEING BIRD. (Psa. 11:1.) Aware of danger, trembling from fear (Hos. 11:11), it flees from a coming storm to a shelter near. Chased (Lam. 3:52) by a strong and eager enemy of the air, it seeks a place of refuge. And thus does the sinner when awakened to know his danger, flee to Christ to hide in Him (Psa. 143:9).
A SHELTERED BIRD. (Jer. 48:28.) She is snug and safe in her nest “in the rock,” where neither hawk nor storm can reach her. So is the believing soul, hid in the “Rock of Ages” (Isa. 26:4, marg.).
SINGING BIRDS. (S. of Sol. 2:12.) They pour forth their springtime melody while they sit on the branches of the tree, laden with its beauteous blossom. Like the new born soul, saved by grace, singing its first glad song — the song of salvation (Ex. 15:1, 2), the song of deliverance (Psa. 40:3).
BIRDS ON THE WING. (Jer. 8:7.) Birds of passage, who migrate to warmer climes before the winter gather in flocks at the “set time,” and pass from the place of their sojourn here, to the sunny skies of their native land. So one day soon, the whole flock of ransomed songslers, who sing the praises of their great Redeemer here, will pass over to that land to which no foe approaches, in which there is no wintry blast: there to sing redemption’s everlasting song (Rev. 5:9). J.R.
ML-02/11/1962