The other day as I was mowing, a killdeer (which is a bird… not a deer) ran out in front of my tractor screaming in protest, dragging her wing along the ground as though it was badly broken. Suddenly she would stop, turn and charge the mower, then limp off to the side in an obvious attempt to draw my attention away from her nest.
The killdeer lays her eggs on the ground! Not in the comfort of grass or the safety of weeds, but right smack dab in the middle of gravel… no padding… and no protection! Look at the picture on the left; can you find the eggs? Camouflaged coloring is the only protection for her developing eggs. And boy, are they are ever camouflaged—colored exactly like little rocks with black splotches. Believe me, it takes a sharp eye to see the buggers! I got off the tractor and walked very carefully, guarding each step until I finally located the eggs, right in the middle of my gravel lot. And all the while I’m sleuthing out her nest, the mother bird is screaming, charging at me and running in ever widening circles away from the nest.
This incredible activity sets the killdeer apart from all other birds. If a predator approaches the nest the adult bird will begin emitting a high pitched, sustained chirp that sounds more like a wounded animal than a desperate bird. But she does more than screech. She contorts her wings into grotesque positions, as though they are broken, in hopes of convincing a predator she is easy prey. This God-given instinct is the only means she has to protect her precious children. The mother bird will boldly expose herself to any adversary, including a huge tractor, in order to protect her nest.
I couldn’t help but to be touched by the undaunted courage of this small bird. My promises to not cause harm were unheeded as she repeatedly rushed the mower only to limp off, wings a’ flailing. It was a remarkable scene!
God birthed us here on earth in the midst of danger, temptation, and harmful influences… things that can hurt, kill and destroy our lives both physically and spiritually. Yet, like this gutsy bird, Jesus came to our defense, taking on all predators. He surrendered His body to death itself on our behalf. He flung himself into the hands of our predator, Satan, in order to save us. And incredibly, God the Father brought His precious Son back to life. The result: Satan lost his death-grip on us forever! Because of Jesus Christ, death has no power over those who place themselves under his protective wing.
Lord, what an incredible Savior you are! Thank you for selflessly surrendering your life to save ours! I worship you just now. I open my heart and soul to you in gratitude for your sacrificial love. Thank you that your protection lifts me beyond the fear of death to a life of hope and eternal purpose.
Read Hebrews 2:14-15
- Take a moment to consider that Jesus placed himself between you and death. Thank Him, worshipping Him for that selfless, loving act.
- According to verse 14, what do we share in common with Jesus Christ?
- Before Christ’s death, who held the power over death?
- Jesus’ death holds two purposes in this passage, what are they? (Hint: someone wins and someone loses)
Read Isaiah 53:4-5
- Jesus took up our _________________________________ and carried our sorrows.
- Who actually applied the punishment upon Jesus for your sins?
- What happened to Jesus as a result of our sinful nature and wrongful behavior?
- What is the result of Jesus’ wounds?
Read Romans 5:6-8
- Christ’s death came at just the right time for whom?
- What condition were we in when He died for us?
- How did God demonstrate His love for us?
- Can you explain how Jesus’ death would demonstrate the Father’s love for you?
Read John 3:16
- If you don’t already know John 3:16 by heart, please commit it to memory.
- Learn to repeat it often as a prayer of worship. It will create a renewed sense of worth and gratitude.
“Lord, we worship you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the three in One. Thank you that you gave of yourself so unselfishly resulting in salvation full and free!”