In the dry foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the sweet song of the six-inch rock wren is often heard. Its gray colors blend in closely with its rocky home among the boulders, sandstone cliffs and rocky hills.
What an interesting home the rock wren has! Its small nest is made of twigs, grass and plant stems, lined with shredded bark, dry grass and pieces of fur. There is nothing unusual about the actual nest; it is the wall that is built beside it that is unusual. After the nest is built in a crevice under a big rock, the male and female gather small pebbles and rock chips to make a stone wall in front of the nest, leaving only a small entranceway. No doubt the Creator gave the wren this skill to help protect its nest from snakes, rodents and birds of prey, which would eat their eggs.
About six white eggs, speckled brown on one end, are laid twice a year. In only two weeks the chicks hatch out. The parents are attentive and protective, staying close by and bringing spiders, moths and other insects as food to the young chicks. Before they are big enough to fly, the parents lead them out on the rocks for exercise. If danger appears, they immediately obey their parents’ signal to “freeze” or find a hiding place. Isn’t it interesting to see how God has put such wisdom in the parents?
The rock wren has been given a long bill to reach food in cracks and under rocks. Its short legs have sharp-clawed toes, allowing it to cling upside down to overhanging rocks. Although it does drink water when it is available, it can get along without it, getting moisture from what it eats.
This little bird is another excellent example of how the Lord God, the Creator, has supplied everything His creatures need. The Bible reminds us: “Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the [needs] of every living thing” (Psalm 145:1616Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:16)).
The same One who watches over the little rock wren has His eye on you too. In a special way, His “delights [are] with the sons of men.” He says, “Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children.... Blessed is the man that heareth Me.... For whoso findeth Me findeth life.... But he that sinneth against Me wrongeth his own soul” (Proverbs 8:31-3631Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. 36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:31‑36)). These are serious but wonderful words. The Lord God wants you to know Him, not only as the provider and preserver of your life, but as the One to whom you may go as a needy sinner. He wants you to accept Him as your own Saviour and thank Him for taking the punishment for your sins. Have you done this?
ML-10/25/2009