These “Birds of the Air” (Matt. 8:20) were used by the Lord Jesus to illustrate several of His discourses (Matt. 13:32), and they teach gospel lessons still.
THE RAVEN (Gen. 8:7) is the first named bird in the Bible. It was with Noah in the ark during the flood, and although black and uncomely, it was as safe in the ark as the dove. So is the blackest sinner, who now comes to the Saviour and is received by Him (Luke 15:2), never to be cast out (John 6:37). In Song of Solomon 5:11 we read the words, “black as a raven”—nothing to boast of in either feathers or song, yet “God feedeth them” (Luke 12:24).
THE CUCKOO, or as it is spelled in Leviticus 11:16, “Cuckow”—is one of the Bible birds who “knows her appointed time” (Jer. 8:7), for coming to the warmer climes in the early summer and then going before the winter leaves the forests bare. She likes to live in the sunshine amid the blooming flowers, where she delights to sound her familiar note which, it is said, other birds try to imitate. But it takes a real cuckoo to sing a cuckoo song, as it takes a true believer to sing the “new song” of redeeming love (Rev. 5:9).
THE LARK (Song of Sol. 2:12), although not mentioned by name, is believed to be the bird referred to in this Scripture. He comes to cheer us by his song after the winter is past, and “flowers appear on the earth,” pouring out his morning song up in the blue skies, while living in the sunshine. Here we have a lovely picture of what and where a Christian should do and be.
THE NIGHTINGALE is a well-known visitor to Palestine. There in the shade, while all is silent, he sings his sweetest song in the shades of the evening, while unseen. No gaudy plumage to attract, or color to dazzle, he cheers the village and countryside with his song. Those who love the Saviour may not be attractive to the world around, yet when they sing their Saviour’s praises, this is the sweetest music in God the Father’s ear.
ML 12/15/1968