“But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; and the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; and let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:7-10
As I was teaching my children on our hammock the other day (yes, there really are advantages to Texas weather!), we heard our rooster give a funny call, a sort of loud purr. I thought nothing of it, but then noticed that a hawk was flying over our field. I looked back to the rooster as he gave another loud, purring squack. Along with this, we saw the last of his hens quietly scurrying into the coop. He turned one eye upward to survey the hawk with keen attention, then tiptoed into the pen behind them. We watched, amazed at the attention and protection this rooster was offering his ‘ladies’!
After a few minutes, the rooster slowly came out of his hiding place to peruse the situation. But he didn’t venture outside. He dared only to sneak into his protected pen from the backside of the coop, watching and listening. Then he gave a different call, something of a loud, gurgling cackle. Something new caught our attention!
From around our garage, some 50 feet away, nine other hens came out of hiding! They had obeyed his first call from afar, taking cover until receiving the go-ahead from their leader that it was safe to proceed. Now, they didn’t just wander and peck on their way to the coop. No – they scurried as quickly as they could, entering their safe haven as quietly and covertly as possible. What obedience!
After some time, the rooster sensed the coast was clear. He tiptoed out the door, checking for that floating enemy in the sky. As the hens perceived their leader felt safe, they came prancing out of cover to resume their foraging for grubs and seeds. All was well in Chicken Land again!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Okay, you say, what is this all about? Why is she telling me about chickens?! God tells us to learn from the ant, the eagle, the sparrow, and more. Take a moment and see what lesson you can learn from these lowly animals, the chicken.
- Who is your human protector, in your home and of your family?
- Do you listen as attentively to him as these hens? Do you hasten to respond to his call?
- Do you understand the danger when you wander and scrape for your existence without listening for his cautions?
Oh, I hear many of you saying, “But my “rooster” doesn’t look to the skies!” I understand. I’ve said it and feel it many times. But we must see beyond our current situation, and thank our Lord that He watches over us. Now – how would you answer the same questions above in regards to your Heavenly Protector?
Oh my, can we learn from this little community just outside my window!
What lessons has God shown you in creation?
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24
Jen says
Hi, Terry! :) I’m stopping by from Wedded Wednesdays this morning. You’ve drawn some excellent parallels here with the chickens. I appreciate your questions at the end because they make me think about my own life. Thanks for sharing!
Jen :)
Beth says
You are quite the story teller, Terry! I loved this and could picture the scene in all of its glorious Texas Rooster wonder! ;) And the challenge is very penetrating. We truly do need to allow our husband’s to lead our homes. Most men want the best for their families, even if they are unbelievers or weighed down by sin or even addictions. I do want to learn to trust my husband, and am thankful that he wants to trust and follow the Lord. It would definitely be harder to trust God in the midst of a marriage where that was not the case. But I’m learning to trust other authority figures (including and besides my husband) in my life who I don’t always have the greatest confidence in because I trust the One who gives them authority over me. I know my Lord is not powerless to protect me no matter who is at the helm of my life and marriage. Thanks for this lovely post, my friend! I’m not sure I’ve visited here before but am very impressed and glad to meet you!
livingabovethenoise says
Well, thanks for your wisdom and encouraging words! God is always in the business of conforming us to His Son’s image, isn’t He?! And I am so very grateful for that! I am constantly challenged to trust more each day, no. matter. what. God watches over His own. I just found your site and the feeling is mutual. Thanks for speaking God’s truths into the lives of women.
Gina Duke says
Hi! I loved this!!! In order to sometimes understand what God is meaning when He uses animals in His illustrations is to understand those animals, and it may requires some research. Well done! Keen observation and topic. I am your neighbor at Messy Marriage.
livingabovethenoise says
Glad to meet you! Thanks for your encouragement. In Job 12:7 God tells us to “…ask the beasts, and let them teach you.” We can see God’s ways displayed in His creatures if we will only look. So much of God’s character is all around us!
Becky says
Excellent post! Thank you so much for stopping by our link-up party!
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks for giving us a place to share. Blessings on your blog growth!
Kendra Burrows says
This is fascinating! I’m so glad I stopped by, Terry.
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks, Kendra. I look forward to reading more on your blog. Needed to hear your “Three Seconds To A New Relationship”!
Trisha says
Terry,
You have a lovely place here!
It truly is wonderful the many lessons God teaches us from His creation. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and getting to know you.
livingabovethenoise says
Trisha, thanks for your encouragement. It’s nice to find other women who care to write about the things of God. Your blog inspires me. Terry
Bambi says
Love this! So thankful to the KLord for my good rooster!