WISDOM OF THE BIRDS

“Even the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD!” (Jer. 8:7 NKJV).

This verse may be an embarrassment for many folks. Basically, it is saying that some birds are smarter and act better than some humans. When something is really dumb and senseless, we often say, ‘It’s for the birds.’ Our verse speaks of the learning and the living of the birds.

Learning of the birds – “The stork in the heavens knows her appointed times.” The “appointed times” spoken of here that is known by the birds is their migratory patterns. The birds knew how and where they were to live. God had revealed this knowledge to them. Why did God’s people not know the judgment of God? Was it because God did not reveal it to them? On the contrary, it was because they did not want to know. And when it was revealed to them, they rejected this knowledge of God. While birds do not reject the revealed knowledge that God gave them regarding their migratory patterns, many folks reject the Word of God regarding their conduct.

Living of the birds – “The turtle, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming.” These birds not only learned the pattern, they also lived it. They not only knew what to do, they also did it! Our verse is an indictment on folks for failing to know what is required of them. And obviously if we do not know what is required, we will not do it. When we do not read and study the Word of God, we will not know what is required of us and will not be able to carry out said requirements. There is great peril in not doing what is required. If the birds do not obey their migratory patterns they will perish. Likewise if men do not obey God’s commands, they will perish.

(Adapted from Butler Daily Bible Reading)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“True wisdom is the accurate perception of what is really important!”

Anonymous

Word Study

Distance

In Luke 18:13 we read, “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (NASB).

Distance is the Greek word makrothen (μακρόθεν = mak-roth'-en). It speaks of location and means from far away, from a distance, at a distance. Makrothen is used both figuratively and literally in the New Testament. It indicates a place that is removed in distance from another location. The irony of the story is that while the Pharisee kept his distance from this despicable, dishonorable, dishonest and irreligious tax collector, God keeps His distance from all who are like the self-righteous Pharisee.

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Old Testament Prophecy – Messiah’s sacrifice would procure peace between man and God (Isa. 53:5)

New Testament Fulfillment – Col. 1:20

Did You Know…

In the Bible it states that the Father draws us to Jesus (John 6:44).

Bible Quiz

According to the Book of Acts, who “thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money?”

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz: In the Book of Revelation who was found to be “worthy to open the scroll” with the seven seals? The Lamb that was slain (Rev. 5:1-10).

Names of the Lord Jesus Found in the Bible

“Firstborn”

"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect!” (Heb. 12:22-23 NKJV).

1. Meaning – The Lord Jesus is our elder brother.

2. Insights – The Lord Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead, the firstfruits of a new humanity, resurrected in a new form. The importance of the firstborn is also connected to the Passover. At the Exodus, the firstborn child of the Hebrews was “passed over.” He was saved from death by the sacrifice of a lamb

3. Related Titles – Firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:20); Firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18).

Did You Know – Christian History

William Wilberforce was born August 24, 1759 in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. He was a British politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

Wilberforce was born into a wealthy family and at age of 18, he entered St John’s College, Cambridge University. As a student he lived a carefree life and his early religious intensity diminished. It was also at Cambridge that he met and became lifelong friends with William Pitt, the future Prime Minister.

After becoming a Member of Parliament in 1784, Wilberforce came under the influence of Isaac Milner, an evangelical Christian, who encouraged him to commit his life to Christ. Wilberforce had always thought himself a Christian. Now he saw that total commitment to Christ was needed. He struggled in anguish for several months. During that time he read Philip Doddridge’s The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. Here was a faith far deeper than anything he had known. Gradually he yielded.

In 1785, he became an evangelical Christian, which resulted in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform. Still, he wondered if it was proper for him to hold a seat in government. Unsettled in his conscience, Wilberforce sought counsel from the rector John Newton, best remembered as the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” He counseled Wilberforce to remain in politics and champion good causes.

In 1787, Wilberforce came into contact with Thomas Clarkson and a group of anti-slave-trade activists, including Granville Sharp, Hannah More and Charles Middleton. They persuaded Wilberforce to take on the cause of abolition, and he soon became one of the leading English abolitionists. He headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for twenty years until the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

Wilberforce was convinced of the importance of religion, morality and education. He championed causes and campaigns such as the Society for the Suppression of Vice, British missionary work in India, the creation of a free colony in Sierra Leone, the foundation of the Church Mission Society, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In later years, Wilberforce supported the campaign for the complete abolition of slavery, and continued his involvement after 1826, when he resigned from Parliament because of his failing health. That campaign led to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. Wilberforce died just three days after hearing that the passage of the Act through Parliament was assured. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, close to his friend William Pitt the Younger.

A Little Humor

Sam shows up at a revival meeting, seeking help. “I need you to pray for my hearing,” he tells the preacher. The preacher puts his fingers on Sam’s ears and prays and prays. When he’s done, he asks, “How’s your hearing now?” “I don’t know,” says Sam. “I don’t go to court till next Tuesday.”

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“One may go wrong in many directions but right in only one!”