Consider the Raven

Introduction
Love of nature and love of the Word of God, and the relevance of both in our daily lives is what these meditations seek to demonstrate. Bird life and drama are reflected on as during the year the seasons change around the vernal pool: from a lake teeming with flocks of birds in winter to a dry field of grass in summer where birds stay well hidden. Is the California drought playing a role here? Maybe that’s why there are more predators (hawks and ravens) this year. The threatening wildfires serve as reminders of the fragility of life, and suggest end-time warnings.
Some small finches just banded with a Mockingbird to chase a hawk away. The Bible warns of “false prophets,” and that they are “among us,” not in the enemy camp. There is no blinking red light to tell us who they are. We have to be alert, as the birds, for when we think it’s safe and quiet, the threat like a hawk descends.
These thoughts seek to elevate the work of the Creator and the message He gives through creation, along with His written Word. Keeping always in mind: “…the fashion of this world passeth away.” (I Corinthians 7:31) and “the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) His Word is eternal, though even “the heavens shall pass away…” (II Peter 3:10) We need to give urgent heed to this Word that is eternal (Hebrews 2:1) as we observe His temporal handwork.
He did tell us to “Consider the ravens,” (Luke 12:24) and throughout Scripture are mentioned object lessons in nature of deeper truths contained in His written word.
Among things considered here are issues in our world and culture today, intertwining bird observations and scripture to help give an insightful perspective on an issue that only may seem new because it’s being experienced by someone for the first time. The issue itself may be as old as the Garden of Eden.
Looking at the beauty, harmony, and order of creation, even in a polluted, decaying world, helps the observer sort thoughts and get a better perspective on issues we face in our troubled, darkening world.
WET SEASON
1. Birdwatching with God
Birdwatching is something I do with God. Though I do it more often and more knowledgably than some people, what I see does not compare to what the ornithologist, the specialized photographer, or even what the dedicated birdwatcher sees. And none do it as well as God, who does not forget a single sparrow (Luke 12:6). I watch two House Sparrows zig and zag in flight together and wonder what they are doing. Playing? Fighting? Mating? Then they are out of sight and I have no more knowledge of their tussle. But not God. He still watches them and will see the outcome of this little soap opera.
But I got to see part of it! More than those hurrying to class, back to their apartment, or off to work. I was the one who got my spirits lifted from the problems of this earth for a few moments, to consider the awesomeness of life around me that goes on beautifully whether I notice it or not. Then the birds were gone, reminding me that I have other problems to turn my mind to. God will take care of the birds, and He will take care of me and my problems, too.