Beep-Beep is Back

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:7-11 ESV).

While writing this morning I looked out the window just in time to see a roadrunner walking just outside our deck to the back of the property. This is not the first time we’ve sighted these birds here. I have taken to using the generic name “Beep-Beep” for all of them. I’m sure you get the reference. Throughout Texas they are a common sight, especially as you get into the more remote parts of our state. As it turns out, this one is a female, while the bird I saw last week was a male. Perhaps we have a pair who have decided to nest nearby and our property happens to be located in the path of their hunting grounds. You may be wondering what this has to do with today’s reading. Throughout the Bible we can see that God uses small things to bring hope and healing. Over the past few months I’ve noticed how God’s world is full of examples that bring encouragement to my mind. The barn swallows and purple martins have returned; other birds have taken up residence in the houses I’ve placed about the property. The shrubs and trees have put on new growth. The grass is greening up nicely with the warmer weather and generous rains. I am reminded everywhere I look that God is still wonderfully in control. Pivot with me to the message of hope and blessing in our reading. God chose the small nation of Israel and charged them to be a blessing to all other nations. Through this group of people, preserved and cared for by God’s faithful hands, the Savior, Jesus Christ, came into the world. And the Savior himself came in a tiny package: a baby born of a teenage peasant girl. Who would imagine that such a child would heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds? God knew and He saw to it that it would happen. Our reading uses words that echo throughout the Bible and were made visible as Jesus went about his compassionate healing ministry. What’s more, Jesus promised to forgive all our sins and to be with us always to bring comfort and hope far beyond words printed on a page. That is the good news! God is faithful as he extends His hands tending our wounded hearts. I’m glad I got that message again this morning… I hope you get it as well. Thanks, Beep-Beep!