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From my window as I write this I can see various birds flying freely about in my neighbourhood, choosing to land now and then to survey their surroundings or to look for food. If they come close to the back door I can admire their beautiful feathers and bright eyes. What amazing creatures God has made! In Genesis chapter 1 verse 20 God commanded "Let the air be filled with birds".
In Matthew chapter 6 verse 26 Jesus says to His listeners "Look at the birds: they do not sow seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns, yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?" And in Luke chapter 12 verse 6 "Not one sparrow is forgotten by God". Sparrows are very small!
The Holy Spirit had come down "like a dove" when Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, and alighted on Him. "Then a voice said from heaven 'This is my own dear Son, with Whom I am pleased'" (Matthew chapter 3 verse 17). And He is pleased with us, when we believe in His beloved Son, who died on the cross to forgive our sins. In Matthew chapter 10 verse 16 Jesus is sending out His disciples, to teach people about their Master, and says "I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and gentle as doves". People can be unpredictable, unreliable, sometimes even dangerous.
One of my favourite Bible passages is Isaiah chapter 40 verse 31 (Old Testament): "But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed! They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak". Those magnificent birds of prey can soar for hours over hills and mountains. We too can "soar to great heights" when we pray and put our trust in our heavenly Father.
In Matthew chapter 24 verses 37 and 38 Jesus is lamenting sadly over the Jews who have rejected Him. He said "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How many times have I wanted to put my arms round all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let me! And so your Temple will be abandoned". Don't reject Jesus! He loves you!
The disciple Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus, just before the crucifixion, because he was scared of what might happen to him also. Jesus had predicted Peter's denial! Peter had said vehemently that he would never leave his Lord, but Jesus declared "I tell you that before the cock crows twice tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me" (Mark chapter 14 verse 30). And when it happened like that, Peter broke down and cried on hearing the cockerel crowing. But he was forgiven! The disciple John records a wonderful moment when the risen Jesus meets His friends on the lake-shore and asks Peter THREE TIMES if he loves Him! Jesus then told him "Take care of my sheep (my followers)". Peter had work to do for the Lord; his bad moments and tears were in the past. What wonderful forgiveness!
Of course, there are a great many other mentions of birds in God's Word.
