Bill, who lives on a farm, had a pet chicken which he allowed to run in his yard and garden. One day he heard the chicken squawking loudly and went outside to see what was wrong. He saw his pet running up the path from the garden as fast as it could. Behind it was a strange black dog. Bill stood at the end of the garden path, stooped down and stretched out his hands.
The chicken, seeing its master, ran straight for him, into his outstretched arms. Bill held it close to him. The chicken soon calmed down, because it knew that it was safe. The strange black dog was chased from the yard, and then Bill built a pen to protect his pet.
Have you acted as wisely as this bird did? It knew it could not fight against the dog, so it ran to its master for help and protection. We all have a common enemy—Satan, the devil. If you are not saved from your sins, you are exposed to the power of Satan and will have to bear the punishment for your sins. But there is a place of protection. Jesus, the Friend and Saviour of sinners, is waiting with outstretched arms to save all who will run to Him for help and protection.
When Bill held the little bird in his arms close against his chest, it made me think of what is said about the blessed Lord Jesus in Isaiah 40:11: “He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.”
Bill ran the strange dog off his land and built a pen for the future safety of his pet. The Bible tells us that anyone who has asked the Lord Jesus to be his Saviour is safe in Christ and that the “wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18. This is how the Son of God protects and takes care of His own.
ML-11/14/1982