After completing my coffee time with the Lord the other morning, I was
enjoying the ever-changing panorama that my bay window greets me with
every day. Suddenly, my attention was grabbed by the sight of a huge,
black crow gliding down to light on a branch of the large maple tree
across the street. As it ruffled itself into a comfortable position, I
noticed that its attention seemed to be riveted on the thick foliage
just below its perch.
Suddenly, the greenery seemed to explode,
and bits and pieces of leaves and twigs flew in all directions as a pair
of robins streaked furiously straight at this hated intruder.
The
unsuspecting target of this pair of cannonballs began to topple
backwards off the branch, but with a frantic flapping of its wings, it
managed to regain its balance and awkwardly began to ascend up and away
from the violent onslaught.
But the robins were not finished with
this enemy yet, and being much faster than the awkward crow, they began
to circle above it, then swooped down and viciously dive-bombed onto the
back of the black mass of feathers below them, not giving it a chance to
escape their attack.
I was totally mesmerized by this violent
scene taking place before my eyes, since I had never seen robins behave
in this manner. It didn't take a genius to know that they were defending
their nest, and they were sparing no quarter.
They continued to
pursue the badly battered crow until it finally gained enough altitude
to flap itself away to safety.
I had to cheer for those brave
champions as they soared back to their tree and were soon lost from
sight in its protective camouflage.
What a wonderful sense of
victory they must have been feeling as they settled back into the safety
of their nest.
It suddenly occurred to me that I had witnessed a
vivid example of the Scripture's frequent warnings to be constantly
aware of the ever-present danger of the enemy, who is always lurking
about, with one single goal in mind, namely, our destruction.
Those robins didn't wait for their enemy to attack, but were immediately
alert to its presence and took the initiative - and they persisted in
their pursuit until they were victorious. So must we always be on the
alert to the danger of our hated enemy, Satan, and be prepared to put
him to rout through the power given to us by the Holy Spirit. I share
this anecdote today as a reminder of the constant danger that we have to
be aware of, even in an area where we feel the most confident and
comfortable. Also, I hope that it serves as a reminder that we can never
be passive or lulled into the trap of familiarity, for evil can be so
easily camouflaged.
Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, thank You for
the many warnings that You give us against the enemy in Your Word, by
means of different illustrations or direct commands. Keep us ever alert
to his tactics and armed against any of his devices by putting on our
spiritual armour daily, holding up our shield of faith, and applying the
sword of the Spirit whenever You give us a warning that he is lurking
nearby, just waiting for a chance to harm us. In Jesus' strong name, we
pray. Amen.
Sharon Greer
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
