God’s Aviary

May 6, 2008

By William E. Richardson

Soaring into the sky on strong wings, the eagle reaches heights of 10,000 feet. His keen eyesight detects prey far below. Of all the birds God created, the eagle rises above the others in many ways.

The Bible says plenty about the eagle. Several times throughout the Old Testament, the writers mention the swiftness or strength of this magnificent creature.

God made a vast variety of birds. From the tiny hummingbird to the tall ostrich, they come in all sizes. From melodious songbirds to birds that mimic sounds around them, they vary in vocal ability. From single-color birds to peacocks, they cover the visual spectrum.

Not all birds can be eagles, but each bird can be all God created it to be. God is keeping His eye on every one of them. Jesus said the Heavenly Father knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). Luke adds, “And not one of them is forgotten before God” (Luke 12:6, NKJV).

Jesus reminded us that, as God’s human creation, we are much more valuable to Him than sparrows (Matthew 10:31). If God keeps track of the whereabouts and circumstances of those small birds, you know He’s aware of every second of your day.

We can’t all be famous as an eagle, beautiful as a swan or sing like a nightingale. But each of us can be all we are for God’s glory. There is so much variety in God’s creation. In His aviary, it doesn’t matter how you differ from others as much as how you resemble Jesus. He wants to help you rise above feelings of fear and doubt so that you can reach your full potential in Him.

In God’s aviary, every sparrow true to His master soars like an eagle.

— William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.