…and Then the Robin Told the Blue Jay…
If you come across a bird's nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. Deuteronomy 22:6 (ESV)
Ah, spring! It is that time of year when the little tweeters sing their hearts out. Back-yard feathered friends build their nests in preparation for laying life-filled eggs. What a joyous time for new life! Except there seems to be a rift between the robins and blue jays.
Many have observed these dive-bombing robins going after the larger, obnoxious jays—especially when there is a full nest and the jays have intruded into their domain. The noises are fierce and deliberate.
“Hey you, get out of my territory! You are too close to my babies’ nest!”
“Oh look, one has hatched. A tasty morsel it could be. And you have three more eggs. Won’t you share with me.?
“No, I have no intentions of sharing. Be gone before I attack and hurt you.”
“I can whoop you! I am bigger, stronger and…”
The battle begins. Swooping, chasing, screaming, missile-like behavior and the winner is…the robin. Yes, the smaller of the two birds was able to protect her nest and babies. While there was abundant food available for the jay to fully be fed and nourished, it became loud, greedy and aggressive. Yet it was no match for the puffed-up, angry mother robin.
This scenario made me think about protecting the church. How far are we willing to go to protect our own church? I assume that we are territorial when it comes to our church family. We want to see it thrive and mature even though we know there will be growing pains.
Being more like the robin comes naturally when something we love is threatened. We’ve heard how mother bears fiercely protect their cubs, and it's true that they are a force of nature to be reckoned with. While much smaller, the robin attacks again and again. Each time there seems to be more direct contact. She simply will not give up!
Do we give up, run away or stand firm in defense of our church family? We know right from wrong but the robin is merely acting on instinct.
Perhaps our prayer should be:
Lord Jesus, please give us the boldness to protect our church from intruders, gossip, and wrongdoing. Let us be quick to put on our armor, puff up and soar to her aid. Give us Your strength to right the wrongs. AMEN.