THE well-known Heron was one of the commonest European birds, but owing to the draining of swamps, which were so acceptable to this bird, there are comparatively few. Nevertheless it is well known over there as well as here.
I suppose most of my readers like well to see the Heron in flight. It is a grand sight. The head, body and legs are held in a line, stiff and as if immovable, and the gently waving wings carry the bird through the air with a rapidity that seems the effect of magic.
Man may try to make ships to sail through the air and he finds that it is a very difficult thing. But when we look at the Heron rise from the ground and sail through the air with such gracefulness and ease, we may well think of God’s creative power and wisdom, for none but God could ever have made such and given the ability to fly around. Man may imitate and try to learn lessons from it all, but whatever he may attain to in imitating, he ever falls far short, and one thing he never can do and that h to give life. That belongs to God alone. It is beyond man to understand life, and indeed all that comes from God’s hand Is beyond man to fully comprehend.
If we turn to the Scriptures, we should be convinced of the same for it is so marked. Thoughts are given to us that are beyond man ever to have conceived—such as, Christ dying for His enemies, but the limit of man’s love is to give his life for his friend. Man cannot conceive anything beyond himself. He may understand what God has said to him, but he cannot comprehend it or conceive the idea. Wherever we look, at creation or Scripture, all is marked with the same hand of wisdom. So, dear reader, if you look at all the wonderful creatures that have come from God’s hand, whether it is the Heron or some other, may you seek to discern God’s hand and turn to His word and learn what He has to say.
Messages of God’s Love 9/13/1908