Lessons From A Hen and Her Chicks

From: Messages of God's Love: 1975

FIRE had burned up a farmer's house and barns and some of his stock. The next morning as he wandered amid the ruins he came upon a mother hen, scorched to death by the flames which swept across the farmyard. Turning over the charred remains of the poor hen with his foot, he was surprised when six little chicks ran out. All were safe and well. The faithful little mother had died to protect and save them.

Now the Lord Jesus, in speaking to us of His great salvation, likens Himself and His work to a mother hen. To the people of Jerusalem He said in sorrow of heart: "How often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not." Luke 13:34³⁴O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34).

The hen gathers her chickens under her wings

11 For Shelter.

Foxes and other beasts of prey prowl about ready to devour, and thieves are ever ready to steal solitary chickens, wandering and unsheltered. So sinners "without Christ" (Eph. 2:12¹²That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (Ephesians 2:12)) are at the mercy of the great adversary, Satan, who is ever going about seeking their ruin (1 Pet. 5:8⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)). Only under the shadow of the Almighty Saviour (Psa. 91:1,9¹He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
⁹Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; (Psalm 91:9)) is there a sure refuge and a safe habitation. Make sure that you are there and able to say, "Under His wings have I come to trust" (Ruth 2:12¹²The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. (Ruth 2:12)).

21 For Warmth.

In the cold winter nights the little chicks would perish if they were not under their mother's wings. The world is a cold cheerless place; and time may change our fondest friends. But the Lord Jesus is unchanging. — His love is unchanging (Jer. 31:3³The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)); the life He gives is everlasting (1 John 5:13¹³These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)). There is nothing like this in the world. If you would share these blessings; you must come to Christ. Then you will be able to say, "In the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice." Psa. 63:7⁷Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalm 63:7).

31 For Company.

Under their mother's wings the chicks were all together. So when boys and girls are in Christ they are able to say, "I am a companion of all them that fear Thee." Psa. 119 :63.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1975

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