20 January 2011 Devotion for Today "The Birds of the Air" Mark 4: 30-32

20 January 2011 Devotion for Today "The Birds of the Air" Mark 4: 30-32


Not long ago I parked my car in the driveway at the home of my inlaws; my wife's parents home. It was dark when I parked it there, but the next morning I discovered my car speckled all over with bird droppings from these wonderful creatures who live way up in the tall pines above their home. It was a mild irritation because I had just had the car washed. I knew I would have to drive it around everywhere before I had a chance to wash it again. I find it unpleasant to be seen in a car like that. As I entered my car, I could hear the cackles and calls of the birds above me. Adding insult to injury, I think that they are crows, and they sounded as if they were almost laughing at me! Of course, I knew that they were not, but my sensitivity to the situation made it seem so.


Again, meditating on Jesus' Parable of the Mustard Seed. In this text, as well as in Matthew and Lukes' gospels, Jesus is expounding on seeds. This parable seems to be an offshoot or spin-off of the Parable of the Sower. It is told almost as a side-bar to the Sower parable. A side-bar is a related topic of interest that relates to it, and although it is usually not the central focus, sometimes takes on a life of its own.


However it is regarded, the mustard seed parable is still a very powerful story. I have already examined the tiny speck which can yield tremendous results, and the great shade produced by its branches. What I wish to examine now are those birds which roost in the branches of the tree which are produced by that tiny little mustard tree.


Some commentators judge the birds as large birds like vultures or eagles, or judge them as demons or evil forces as they are regarded in the earlier Parable of the Sower. They are seen sometimes as pests. It reminds me of the old fable of birds making nests in someone's hair. However, these birds are not necessarily given the same meaning. They are rather side-bars themselves that could be seen as giving something useful or positive to the tree. In other words, the birds are a good thing, and they are not all "dirty birds!" They contribute to the spreading of the seed by eating it and pollinating it elsewhere. God provides for the birds in the same way from the mustard tree by giving them food and a place to build their nests. They are not pests at all; for the birds and the tree benefit from each other just as God does with so many things in His wonderful creation.


When we spread our branches out in faith, people will be attracted to us and may come from a considerable distance. Don't regard them as pests, either. They will grow and learn from you, but they will also nurture others from you, and their influence will grow and emanate from and through you. This is a good thing and will demonstrate that God is working richly in Your life. The "birds" may eventually move on and make room for others, but you will be better off for the fact that they spent some time with you.


What people have you influenced for Christ because of the faith that was nurtured in your life? Meditate today about the birds however they appear in your life, and thank God for them.


Have a blessed day!