Most boys and girls are bird lovers. Four “Home Birds” will give us a Gospel subject for today.
THE SPARROW—Chirping on the window or housetop, flitting about in the trees, he is an emblem of ourselves, restless, worthless, and exposed to death. “Two sparrows” were sold for a farthing (Matt. 10:29); five sparrows were sold for “two farthings” (Luke 12:6)—the odd sparrow thrown in for nothing. It shows how little value men put upon them. But not one falls to the ground without being seen by the Father’s tender eye of pity and love. The Lord Jesus said, “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:31). So we are, for the highest possible price has been paid for our ransom, even the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19).
THE ROBIN—He comes back early in the springtime and stays late. He seems to like the company of human beings, and builds his nest in a nearby tree or bush. He frequents the bird feeder and will pick up crumbs in his need, never despising the least, telling of a soul knowing its need of Christ. So the sinner, knowing his need, comes to where God has placed His greatest gift of love, on the cross of Calvary (1 John 4:8,9), and there receives Him (John 1:12) as his own personal Saviour. Robin, with his scarlet breast, may well remind us of a sinner trusting in the blood of Christ.
THE PARROT—He has no song, but he is a great imitator. He repeats what he hears, often very correctly, but always coarsely, imitating someone he knows. He may be taken as the picture of a lifeless, loveless, professor of Christ, who can speak true words, but has no life, no reality in His Christianity. Some parrots are very pretty, but none are gentle like the dove. One needs to be born again to be like Jesus.
THE CANARY—He has both beauty and a song. In this he resembles the true believer, upon whom the beauty of his Lord is put (Psa. 96:9), who is accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6) Son of God, and in whose mouth a “new song” has been put (Psa. 40:3), the song of a new and enjoyed salvation Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 12:2,5. No one can sing this song but a sinner saved by grace (Rev. 5:9).
“A wise son maketh a glad father.” — Proverbs 10:1
THERE’S a Stranger at the door: Let.... Him in!...
He has been there often before:
Let.... Him in!....
Let Him in, ere He is gone;
Let Him in, the Holy One,
Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son:
Let.... Him in!....
Open now to Him your heart:
Let.... Him in!....
If you wait, He will depart:
Let.... Him in!....
Let Him in: He is your Friend;
He your soul will sure defend;
He will keep you to the end:
Let.... Him in!....
ML 11/24/1968