The Bird Saga and Sanctification

I had mentioned that I would try and follow the nest saga outside our back patio...so far so good with the bird story! Of course, so many things rush to the forefront of my cranium when I view a pic like this. But when I compare this pic to the one with just the eggs (below and smaller), the word "sanctification" comes to mind.

In other words, little by little, the mama bird is making sure the baby bird(s) has everything necessary for development. Indeed, the bidrlings can do nothing but depend upon the mother! Sure, at some point they exhibit the result of their growth and provide effort, "doing" the things birds do (i.e., fly around and poop all over your car!) But it is first and foremost all about "being."

Though a loose analogy, it does provide a basic visual understanding of our sanctification process. It, like our salvation, rests upon the grace of our God; and though we provide effort at points along the way, it is simply responsive effort to the work caused by the Gospel of Jesus (Titus 2:11-14).

He develops, we depend.

Chrip, chirp.

More Than Birds!

Lately I’ve been thinking and looking at what it means to make sure I spiritually trust before -- and more! -- than I physically try. Well, perhaps this vivid illustration from the fence right outside our back patio will get us pondering even more about those two words. Combined with these words from Matthew, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (6:25-26), these pics preach a sermon! I am praying God will use it in my own life to teach me more about who he is, how he works, and why I can radically trust him at all times. Which, in turn, removes any fear I have of “putting my best foot forward in faith.”

As a family, Julie, I and the kids are enjoying watching this whole thing develop right in front of our eyes; maybe I’ll keep you posted and even have more pics when the little eggs hatch!