Sunday, April 12, 2009

Where is Safety in a Dangerous World?

Morning After the Fire

A group of firefighters was working through the devastation of a Yellowstone forest fire, making sure that all the hot spots had been extinguished. In the middle of the path was a small heap of smoldering ash. One man kicked the pile to allow air to circulate and cool the brush.


Suddenly a little flock of baby quail fluttered from beneath the cinders. Other chicks gradually emerged from underneath other smoky bumps. "These piles of ashes are the mother quail," a ranger realized.

The mother's body had covered her chicks, sheltering them from the searing flames. Though the heat was enough to consume her, it allowed her babies to find safety underneath. In the face of the rising flames, she could have easily flown away, but she was the only hope of safety for her chicks. She gathered them under her body, shielded them with her wings, and made herself stay through the raging flames.


Jesus said,
"How oft would I have gathered my children together,
even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,
and ye would not."
Matthew 23:37

The teachings of Jesus Christ offer ultimate safety.
His loving sacrifice and triumphant resurrection give me purpose and hope.

7 comments:

Christie said...

What a great analogy. So fitting on this beautiful Easter morn!

Kay Dennison said...

Lovely!

Happy Easter, Marty!!!!!!!

ELLOUISESTORY said...

Beautiful. Thank you for the lovely Easter gift.
Happy Easter.

gab said...

Happy Easter Mom...we just read the cutest children's story called "Petook". An Easter story with this theme and illustrations by Tomie de Paola. You need to read...

Sheri said...

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. Hope you had a nice Easter.

Beck said...

I'd never heard that story before! Thank you for sharing and making yesterday's Sunday School lesson even more meaningful.

Anonymous said...

beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you.