“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth... giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:24,2524God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; (Acts 17:24‑25).
The bustard is an unusual example of God’s creation and is found in many parts of the world. Although there are about 22 species of this bird, the great bustard is best known. The great bustard male weighs about 30 pounds, stands three to four feet high, and has an eight-foot wingspread. Its head is grayish-white, the pretty top plumage of its body is chestnut and black, and the lower part is mostly white. Tufts of white hair, like whiskers, are on the sides of its chin. Its small head sits on top of a long, swan-like neck and has big round eyes, a razor-sharp beak, and a vicious-looking mouth. The males sometimes bite people with their beaks, causing severe pain.
Another bustard, called the kori, is interesting because it almost always has a beautiful bee-eater bird perched on its back. From this viewpoint the bee-eater bird can see bees and insects that are disturbed by the kori’s feet as it walks through the grass, and swoops down to catch them.
All bustards are shy and wary and are difficult to approach. They prefer living on open plains where their sharp eyes can quickly spot motion. The great bustard, with its long, three-toed legs, is a fast runner, and although it can fly it prefers to run from danger or hide in the tall grass where is it well camouflaged.
These strange birds have no song. Instead they bark, grunt, hiss or make a whistling sound. When searching for food they may wander several miles in a day, but have no trouble finding enough as they eat grain and seeds, insects, lizards, frogs, small snakes, etc.
When seeking a companion the male stands on top of a mound of dirt and makes a show of his feathers by turning up his tail and spreading his big wings over his back. At the same time he lays his head between his shoulders, puffs up a pouch on his neck so that only the top of his head and the proud whiskers show.
This is really a pretty display, and an impressed female soon joins him. Together they get busy making a one-foot hole in the ground for a nest. There she lays two or three speckled, greenish eggs, and in three weeks the chicks hatch out after a hard struggle. The young often eat too much and look quite funny wobbling around, for their legs are not yet strong enough to carry the extra load.
It is not known if this odd bird serves a special purpose, but it pleased the Lord God to create it, and so it fulfills a part in the balance of His entire creation. Furthermore, we know He does not neglect it, for the Bible tells us: “In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:1010In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10).
This verse reminds us of His goodness to each of us personally. Our response to this goodness should be the same as the one who wrote, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.” Psalms 107:11O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1). Also, in Psalms 92:11<<A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.>> It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: (Psalm 92:1) and 2 we read, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord... to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.” Do you give Him thanks?
ML-09/18/1983