The story has been told of the fire in Yellowstone that burned everything in its path. The fire destroyed many creatures unable to escape the flames. Afterward a firefighter, walking in the charred aftermath, spotted an eerie sight. A bird still sitting upright with wings spread at the base of a tree stump had burned alive and all that remained were the ashes. The observer kicked the ashes over and to his surprise several little birds ran out from under the protective wings of the mother.
As much as I would like to say the inspirational story is true, it likely is not. The story actually originated many years ago as a mother hen with her chicks in a barn fire. But the protective and sacrificing love of a mother, illustrated by the story, is a rock solid truth.
Jesus used the same story line in Matthew 23:37 when He lamented over the beloved city of Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
The Greek word rendered hen in most translations is ornis and means simply bird. Our English word ornithology, the study of birds, derives from ornis.
Although the story in the first paragraph is almost certainly fictitious, the Scriptures have many references to GOD caring for His people in the same way a mother bird cares for her young.
Ruth 2:12 – of GOD it is said, “under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
4 times in the book of the Psalms we find the phrase “under the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8, 36:7, 57:1, and 63:7).
These references speak of GOD’S protective wings, under whose shelter we may find protection during the storms of life. The same motherly love and care is available to all. Sadly, the majority rejects that care time and time again. Just as those in first century Jerusalem did, many today reject His offer.
Those wings will not always be available. GOD’S protective wings will not always be available. One’s life will eventually end here on earth or the LORD will return some sweet day and end our opportunities. Jesus said in John 14:6, “No man comes to the Father except through Me.” Oh friend, let us accept His offer while there is still time.