Jesus Spoke The Following To A Crowd Suffering From Anxiety: '…Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matthew 6:25-26 MSG) ,
For many of you who follow my ministry and teaching, I often use an analogy of an animal in understanding scriptures and God's Word. However, There Are Some Severe Nuggets In Today's Inspirational Reading. Today I want to talk about one of God's beautiful creations who possesses many qualities humans value and strive to attain.
These Qualities Teach Us To Lay A Firm Foundation Of Faith, So Even When We Stumble And Fall On The Wrong Path Or Our Children, Our Knees Will Recall The Prayer To Get Them Back Up And On The Right Track Again. Qualities & Lessons That Teach Us How To Work Together And Stay Together! How To Encourage And Protect One Another! By Nature, These Creatures Are Independent and Intelligent, and They Teach Us To Do What God Commanded Us To Do; Make Disciples!
You say, 'Yeah, but what can I learn from looking at a bunch of birds?' Well, let's see what lessons the geese can teach us:
A. GEESE FLY UNITED: They don't fly separately, in random style, because no goose alone can go that distance. They're designed to fly in their characteristic 'V' formation. When a bird flaps its wings, the air movement creates an uplift, easing the workload of the bird behind it. Together, their flight range increases by 71 percent. Even the youngest, weakest, and oldest geese can make the trip. They accomplish together what they could never accomplish separately. With that said, the first Scripture the birds teach us is Hebrews 10:25: 'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another… ‘(NIV). Which means, 'Stay in fellowship with one another, and enjoy the uplift it provides. 'In other words, you're not called to fly solo! The Bible says: 'The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" ‘ (1 Corinthians 12:21 NIV). Birds teach us how to work together and support one another, doing what is always in the best interest of one another. Occasionally, a goose strays off on its own, but look what happens: it soon becomes exhausted, loses altitude, and pulls wearily back into the formation. CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US HOW TO WORK AND STAY TOGETHER!
B. EVERY FORMATION HAS TO HAVE A 'POINT GOOSE' OUT FRONT WHO LEADS AND SETS THE PACE FOR THE OTHERS: It's a tough position because the point goose cuts the headwinds, meets the changing weather conditions, and is first to feel the rain in his face, the snow in his eyes and the ice on his wings. He keeps the formation on target, whatever the situation. It's hard, exhausting, and lonely at times because there's nobody ahead of him to be the wind beneath his wings. The formation depends on him to persevere, stay on track, and get the kin safely to its destination. Every church has its point goose: The Pastor. Each department has its point geese: youth, finance, evangelism, care ministries, etc. They lead, set the pace, and guide those who follow. The church always has two common roles: the under-employed and the over-functioning. Point ministries are the latter, so they tend to burn out frequently. However, just before the point goose is exhausted, a space opens in the formation, and he slips back into it while another bird replaces him, seamlessly becoming the next point goose. Standing in for each other preserves the life of the formation. This is what Paul meant by: 'from whom the whole Body, fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each part, causes the growth of the Body for the building up of itself in love. '(Ephesians 4:16 NASB). People of God don't be content to be consumers; instead, be a producer! A great church isn't about paid staff but about volunteers willing to stand in whenever and wherever needed. CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US HOW TO LEAD, FOLLOW AND FILL IN!
C. IN THE WORLD OF GEESE, THE AGED, VERY YOUNG, AND INFIRM ARE KEPT PROTECTED IN THE REAR OF FORMATION: But they aren't isolated, discounted, or considered useless; in fact, they fulfill a vital role. They become the 'honking section' and cheer for the leaders. Inevitably, bad weather threatens the mission. The going gets tough, and the tough are struggling. A lone honk sounds from the rear of the formation, initiating a geese chorus honking encouragement to the point goose. Paul understood this because he admonishes us: "Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP). He knew we needed a 'honking section' supporting us with uplifting words and prayer. For instance, we need those who say, 'We are behind you. We've got your back covered!' This is why the Bible further admonishes: "And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening]." (2 Thessalonians 3:13 AMP). Many a servant of Christ has crossed their deepest valley on a wing, a prayer, and a honk from some old-scarred, battle-hardened, straggle-feathered, half-bald honker of encouragement who was too stubborn to let a brother or sister quit on their watch! Occasionally, a strident, out-of-tune goose complains loudly and irritatingly. But within moments, the honking section kicks in, drowning out the grumbler, restoring order and unity. The church's problem isn't too many people speaking negatively, and it's too few speaking positively! When someone cries, 'defeat,' honk back, 'victory,' When they call, 'fear,' honk about, 'faith.' A few words of encouragement can overpower a storm of complaints. So join the honking section and be known as a Barnabas, whose name means 'Son of Encouragement ' (Acts 4:36 NIV). CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US HOW TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT ONE ANOTHER!
D. WITH GEESE, THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS 'TILL DEATH DO US PART': They take it seriously. They're fully committed. At the age of three years, a goose selects a mate for itself. Loyal bird as it is, a goose is known to live with its mate for a long part of its life. Even after the death of anyone from the couple, the other one would live several years alone without engaging with a new partner. And many times, they remain single for the rest of their life. A few birds do not split from their family after breeding season; geese are one of them (if only we would remember this regarding marriage and family). When the ravages of time or circumstances make it impossible for a bird to continue the trip and it begins to lose altitude or fails to keep abreast of the formation, the gaggle provides comfort, nurture, and protection. Two strong geese leave the formation, flying with the 'patient' safely between them, find a sheltered location with food and water, and make a home for the needy bird. Before joining another formation, they'll stay with their ward until it either recovers or dies. For them, caring for another bird goes 'on hold'! What an example of a Christ-like relationship and self-sacrificing love. This is why the Bible says: '…God has combined the members of the Body and given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so there should be no division in the Body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers; if one is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Corinthians 12:24-26 NIV). In today's culture, however, we discount and marginalize people in need, including those no longer functioning as they once did. But God demands that we 'have equal concern for each other, ', especially with those suffering. If a gaggle of birds can do it, surely God's family ought to do it too. 'Look at the birds in the sky!' Jesus directs. If they can do it for each other, '… Aren't you worth more than birds? '(Matthew 6:26 CEV). One of the two greatest commandments (not suggestions) Christ gave us is, '…Love others as well as you love yourself. There is no other commandment that ranks with these." (Mark 12:31 MSG). When word circulates that we love each other in this way, they'll beat down the doors of our church to get in! CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US HOW TO KEEP OUR VOWS TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE AND TO REMAIN IN COVENANT WITH ONE ANOTHER. 'TILL DEATH DO US PART' ISN'T JUST FOR MARRIAGE! JESUS KEPT HIS VOW TO US AND REMAINED IN COVENANT WITH US, BEFORE AND AFTER DEATH!
E. LOST AND STRAYING GEESE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED INTO THE FORMATION: It's not an exclusive club for the elite. Geese separated from other formations, isolated by weather, accident, or infirmity, are given full family status. The formation will alter its plans, reschedule its arrival time, and inconvenience to accommodate any strangers seeking its acceptance. Many newcomers arrive dirty, bedraggled, and ill-fed. However, they're never turned away. In the same way, God's church isn't a museum for masterpieces – it's a hospital for those who have been hurt by life, even self-inflicted hurt. Jesus said, 'Come to me, ALL of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. '(Matthew 11:28 NLT). "ALL" are accepted! He also says: 'I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They, too, will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. '(John 10:16 NIV). Christ has no higher agenda than recruiting, saving, and adopting the stranger into His flock. You say, 'But they're not my kind of people; they don't look, talk or smell like me!' So what? We don't get to choose our biological or spiritual siblings; God does. If they rub us like sandpaper, they're helping rub off rough edges and polish us up. Want to see the material God builds the church with? Prepare yourself for a shock. 'Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicator… idolaters… adulterers… homosexuals… sodomites, thieves… covetous… drunkards… revilers… extortioners…AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU. BUT YOU WERE SANCTIFIED, BUT YOU WERE JUSTIFIED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS AND BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD '(1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NKJV). We were taken into the formation, washed, sanctified, justified, and given full family status! How dare we do not extend the same grace and mercy to others! CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US HOW TO ACCEPT "ALL" INTO THE FOLD AND FAMILY!
F. THEY LIVE TOGETHER AND BRING NEW GOSLING EVERY YEAR: Both parental geese take part in the upbringing of the goslings, which is one of the reasons for the high life expectancy in young ones. Geese produce a new generation yearly; wouldn't it be amazing if the church did the same? Selah…The Bible says, "Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:18-20 CEV); in addition: "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name" (John 1:12 AMP) Geese teach us the importance of consistent producing. We should not have, year after year, the same people, with no new faces filling the sanctuary. CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US TO DO WHAT GOD COMMANDED US TO DO… MAKE DISCIPLES!
G. THE MALE GEESE ARE EXTREMELY OVER-PROTECTIVE OF THE FEMALE GEESE: The male community of geese display a caring and protective nature towards their female counterparts and will even stand between danger and her. 1 Timothy 5:2, "…Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters." (MSG). In a day when words like "gentlemen" and "chivalry" are alarmingly becoming extinct, Men of God, it should not be so among you. Male geese care for and protect the female geese. Does that mean you beat up people every time they say something cross to her? Of course, not. But as men, you should always be a protective hedge to your sisters (and sisters in Christ). Protect them from wolves in sheep's clothing; protect them from being belittled, overlooked, and bypassed due to their gender. Support your sisters, make them safe and secure, and let the world know you will stand between her and danger if needed. If geese have enough sense to do this, what excuse can an intelligent man have for not doing it? So, CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US TO CARE FOR, GUARD, AND PROTECT THE WOMEN IN OUR FAMILY (BOTH NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL).
H. THE FEMALE GOOSE PRODUCES, THE MALE GOOSE PROTECTS: As a part of the reproduction cycle, the female goose lays an egg each day to reach the number of 5 eggs. Once all the eggs are laid off, she incubates eggs in her nest for 30 days. When she goes far from the eggs, she covers them with sticks to make them feel cozy and protected. Meanwhile, the male parent goose keeps the nest protected from a distance so that predators don't get a hint of the nest and eggs. As parents, both natural and spiritual, we must produce and protect. Geese have enough sense to produce gosling (children) and cover and protect them until they're prepared to do it independently. As natural and spiritual parents, we need to follow their example. We are called to develop/train/produce disciples/followers for Christ (as well as natural children to carry on the family legacy) and, at the same time to protect them. For some reason, today, children turn 18 and are considered "grown" (I beg to differ). In the same way, once someone comes to Christ, we disciple them (briefly), then put them on an auxiliary and move on to the next "to-do" on the agenda. Geese take the time to produce seeds and water, feed, nurture, protect, shield, and cover them. How is it possible that we don't do the same? TODAY, CHURCH, LET'S LET THE GEESE TEACH US TO BE PATIENT WITH OUR NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL CHILDREN. GIVE THEM TIME TO SIT AND BE STILL, TO LEARN, TO GROW, TO DEVELOP, TO BE PREPARED, TO BE GROOMED. IN A NUTSHELL: DON'T RUSH THEM UP OR OUT PREMATURELY!
I. THE OLD AND YOUNG GO THROUGH CHANGES TOGETHER: While the gosling (young geese) is Maturing (gaining), the adult geese are Molting (losing). During the maturing time for the goslings, the adult geese do not leave the area. The goslings' maturing period overlaps with the adults' molting season. The molting season runs from early June to late July. Adult geese lose wing feathers during this time and are unable to fly. Geese can fly again approximately six weeks after molting. The key? Maturing for the Young and Molting for the Old Happen at the Same Time. We must learn to embrace change, transition, development, and growth for all ages in our families and churches. The young are gaining, while the older are losing. The young are getting stronger while the older are weakening. However, this will not be a problem if both parties understand, acknowledge, and embrace it, which requires patience and love. The young should never become prideful, and the older should never feel discarded or threatened. CHURCH, LET THE GEESE TEACH US TO EMBRACE ONE ANOTHER AS WE ALL CHANGE IN DIFFERENT WAYS THAT WILL MAKE US AS A WHOLE BETTER.
Geese possess many of the qualities that humans value and strive to attain. Devoted to each other, goose couples’ mate for life, raise and protect their babies, and care for one another. Geese also use teamwork when flying in formation. They will honk to encourage each other, and if a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two flock mates will stay with the goose until they die or can fly again.
Who knew Birds could be one of the Best Bible Study Teachers?! I hope You Learned as Much as I Did!
Blessings
J.P. Olson
www.thewordwithjpolson.com
No comments:
Post a Comment