May 7, 2015 (Thursday)
The title of this blog is part of a quotation from Jesus (Matthew 8:20). Jesus was telling potential followers to look forward to a life of sacrifice if they chose to join him in his ministry. He was saying that although animals have homes, he did not. His disciples need not expect better. This blog, however, is about the first part of his statement, not the latter.
Last week a strong wind came through our yard and broke a China Berry tree, sending the upper trunk to the ground. The reason became obvious when Dwight examined the fallen parts. He took a picture:
PBS Television recently ran a short series of programs about the homes of animals. It was quite interesting, and the camera work was unbelievable. If you saw it, you saw beavers working day and night preparing their home so that the beaver family could have a nice clean and comfortable place to live in all kinds of weather.
The TV show took us to a faraway island where Puffins gather by the thousands to dig holes in the ground that they use for nesting. There were three hours of programming about the homes of animals. Jesus told us that such is the work of God. He loves the animal and plant world, so don’t you think you are valuable enough for God to help (Matthew 10:31)? He provides for the needs of the creatures of nature, so don’t forget that He shall supply all your needs, too (Philippians 4:19).
The Woodpeckers in our yard, however, did not wait around for God to prepare their home; they worked hard at it. The same principle applies to us as well: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..(Ecclesiastes 9:10).” As someone said, “God feeds the birds, but he doesn’t throw the worm into the nest.” He supplies our needs, but he expects the best from us.