Daily devotional, Nov 20, 2023 The Birdcage

"Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?" Job 38:41

Growing up in a home with birds as pets, I have been accustomed to seeing birds inside cages. They are fun to look at especially when they are chirping, feeding, and playing with the little toys that hang within their cage. A couple of days ago, we went to a pet shop and I saw some birds that are for sale. I remembered my childhood, but I suddenly stopped to think that it may have been fun for us to “take care” of those birds, but was it fun for them to be domesticated and caged?

In the Bible, birds have been used by Jesus to encourage anxious people to stop worrying. In the Gospel of Matthew, He used sparrows: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care,” (Matthew 10:29). And as if to emphasize further, our Lord and Savior used ravens in Luke 12:24″ Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

So why birds? Is it because they are carefree creatures? Well, maybe yes because they indeed live on God’s providence. They take care of their young, build nests for themselves, fly towards the other direction when cold weather is coming, and they seem to understand that nothing in this world is permanent.

We humans on the other hand always crave for security, permanence, and concrete proof that we will continue to exist in comfort. Hence we work hard for all the material things, and pursue all the success that this world can offer. If you will think about it, we are like birds caged in our own ambitions, worldly pursuits, and desires.

If we remain stuck in our own selfish cages, we will truly feel broken. When we fail to achieve what we are dreaming of, or we lose what we worked hard for, we will start getting anxious. Our minds will continue racing on thoughts about control, regrets, sadness, and failure. And this is why Jesus encourages us to not love the world and what it offers:

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Instead, Jesus invites us to set our sights on eternity, and focus on having a deeper relationship with Him. Having this intimate connection with our Savior will free us from the cages we brought ourselves into. When we are with the Lord we will realise that every worldly thing is passing. We will understand that we cannot bring any of the wealth, accolades, and titles when we die, but we get to gain eternal life in Christ Jesus if we continue to pursue Him in our lifetime.

"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." Luke 12:29-31

And since the Lord offers a far better alternative from being anxious, depressed, and spiritually broken, let us hold on to His promise of restoration. Again, another type of bird was used to assure believers that He will always be there for us. Isaiah 40:31 says “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

To fight weariness and gain spiritual strength, all we have to do is to seek the Lord with all our heart. When we are living in His midst, our mindset will change and we get to take our eyes away from worries and worldly pursuits. Instead we get to focus our gaze on Him, His presence, and His promises. The void that we have in our hearts can never be filled by anything from this world — fame, fortune, beauty, name it. Only Jesus can fill that void, so invite Him in your heart if you haven’t, and make sure He stays at its center.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 6:25-30 and Luke 12:29-31 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Do you feel trapped in your own cage of worldly pursuits? How can God help free you?

Conversation with the Lord:Lord Jesus Christ, give me the courage to give up my worldly and selfish ambitions so that I can pursue Your kingdom. Give me the confidence to fully surrender everything to you so that I can peacefully live in your midst, and be free from worldly cares. Amen.