Tag Archives: birds

The Parable of the Unknown

A young native American was tracking prey at the base of a mountain when he came across an undamaged egg which fell out of a nearby eagles’ nest. After trying to place this egg back where it belonged, the ledge was too steep to climb while holding this egg. Instead of abandoning this egg, this boy found a similar vacant nest closer to camp. Approaching quietly, this boy carefully placed this egg next to three addition eggs.

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot, Proverbs 14:30.

Several weeks later, all four eggs hatched. Instead of being the ugly duckling, the eaglet stood out among the other three flightless cormorants. As his adopted mother taught him to swim, another bird caught his eye, flying and soaring high above this lake. As the eagle above gracefully glided in the air, the swimming eagle became jealous, wishing he could fly instead of just swimming. While the others were natural swimmers, this eaglet struggled to find his way through life.

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life, Psalm 119:93.

This parable that I recently heard struck a nerve. Sometimes I am so focused on how gifted other people are that I forget my own blessings, gifts and talents. Meanwhile, when I spend too much time focusing on what I want or need, I neglect God’s expectations for me as a Christian. When there is no one else around to point you in the right direction like the adopted eaglet, the Bible is available to show you the way. May you follow in the footsteps of Joshua 1:8, meditating on God’s Word day and night.

by Jay Mankus

Ruffling Feathers

The expression ruffling feathers refers to annoying or irritating someone.  When you speak your mind, its easy to upset individuals, like a bird those feathers become uneven, ruffled due to excitement or fear.  In this politically correct age, its rare that someone actually verbalizes their beliefs in public.

Jesus never had this problem, speaking in parables to the masses, Mark 4:34 and using open ended questions when addressing the religious leaders in Mark 3:23.  Trying not to create co-dependents, Jesus wanted people to figure things out on their own, Matthew 9:12.  However, there were teachable moments when Jesus forced the Pharisees to rethink their traditions, Mark 3:2-4.  As a result, he ruffled their feathers so much that the Pharisees began to plot with the Herodians to kill Jesus.

Type A personalities like Jesus aren’t concerned about the consequences of expressing their opinions.  After denying his relationship with Jesus in Mark 14:66-72, Peter learned a tough lesson.  Reflecting upon this in his own letter, Peter shares a powerful truth.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear; do not be threatened (by death).” – 1 Peter 3:13-14

Even if you ruffle feathers, its better to do God’s will, by risking failure when the Holy Spirit puts a burden upon your heart, 1 Peter 3:17.  Yet, speak to all with gentleness and respect so your conscience may be clear, Colossians 4:5-6.

by Jay Mankus