Clothesline 304 "Under the Cover of His Wings"

There is a price to pay when we stand up for our beliefs. Jesus told us that many times. He said it wouldn’t be easy to live the Christian life, but he would always be with us.

Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Pole explorer wrote a similar fiery ad in a 20th century London newspaper:

Men wanted for a hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.” And about that ad, later he wrote: The response was so overwhelming it seemed as though all the men in Great Britain were determined to accompany us! Jesus might very well have written a similar ad when looking for his disciples: Wanted: trouble-seeking people. Good learners. Potential for physical harm.

No strong attachments to any other living relative or friend. Volunteer position with no monetary compensation. Total commitment required.”

Wouldn’t that be a tempting ad to answer! Actually, my dear brothers and sisters, you already have! You answered that ad when you were baptized. You answered that ad when you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. You have the power and the authority to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, and unfortunately at one time or another, in one place or another, it will get you into trouble. Followers of Jesus—Christians—are not called to retreat, but to confront the world head on with an unpopular message. But Jesus never leaves this message without hope. He says: Even though life will be difficult, don’t worry. If your Father even cares for the sparrow, how much more will he care for you.

We may have a difficult message to spread, but we have a God who is worth the risk.

Several years ago, the following article appeared in an issue of National Geographic: “After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno’s damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving bird, keenly aware of the impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. She had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.”

That, my dear brothers and sisters, is the story of you and your God. This mission that he’s put before you isn’t the least bit easy. But he died for you so that you might have the opportunity to tell others about his amazing love for them, even though it’s a radical concept—unconditional love—even the hairs on your head are counted.