Birds, serpents and doves. Jesus referred to each in order to give comfort and direction to his followers, his disciples, during challenging times. Jesus reassured us to not be anxious for the necessities of life during events we can’t control. God provides for the birds, and isn’t he even more concerned for us, his children, whom he loves, in meeting our needs? And yet we are cautioned to be as wise as serpents regarding spiritual matters and the trials and temptations of evil, while being as gentle as doves in our relationships with others. As believers, we have nothing to fear. Nonbelievers have much to fear (in this life and the next), therefore Jesus tells us to love our fellow human (believer and nonbelievers alike) as much as we love ourselves, being salt and light, all the while loving God with all of our heart, soul and mind. If we love God and believe in the saving sacrifice of his beloved son Jesus, then we have nothing to fear.
And may the peace of our Lord and Savior bless and keep us as we claim his promises. I strongly encourage you to read the reference verses which follow in their context, pray on them, and allow God’s peace, love and encouragement to wash over you and to comfort you, enabling us to be free of anxiety, while growing in strength and obedience. Matthew 5:13-16 & 6:24-33 (Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 10:16, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 13:11.
