In the Shadow of His Wings

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.

One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.

When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze arrived and the heat singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast.

Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live. And because Jesus was willing to die for us, all who dwell "under the shadow of his [God/Jesus'] wings" will live too—forever.

Suggested prayer: "Dear Jesus/God, thank you that you were willing to die for me so I could live. Help me to be willing to live for you so that I can be used of you to help win others to you so that they, too, will find refuge under the shadow of your wings and your gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."1. Psalm 91:4.