Come and Perch (Matthew 13:31-32) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1
“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”” Matthew 13:31-32
“ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23:37
Come and Perch
I grew up with parents who always have birdfeeders in the backyard and enjoy watching the birds eating and playing. I remember one summer while vacationing at a cabin in the mountains of Colorado, we had two hummingbird feeders in one tree because there were too many birds for one feeder. I could stand by the feeders and put my finger by right next to the feeder. The tiny birds would land on my finger to take sips from the red liquid.
Those birds with their incredibly fast fluttering wings and long, thin beaks were fascinating to watch. They practically danced through the air and would interact with one another as they all gathered around the glass feeders with bright red sugar water. They had beautiful greens, reds, purples, and more in their tightly feathered bodies.
Spring Birds
Now that I live in the midwest, it doesn’t feel like spring has arrived until I hear early morning bird songs as the sun comes up. With the winter chill dissipating, birds begin to reappear from wherever they spent the winter months. They gather in the trees, on electrical lines, around the lake in our backyard, and we see them swarming in the skies.
Joy in the Gathering
The cheeps and tweets of the birds as they perch lifts my spirits that are ready for warmth and sunshine after snow and ice. When I read today’s scripture in Matthew 13, I was struck by the joy that it implies.
“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.””
Matthew 13:31-32
The kingdom of heaven is a place where we come and perch, gathering together to exalt God’s name and character, to exhort one another, and to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Jesus as a hen?
Jesus even wanted the gathering of God’s people together. He mourns the state of Jerusalem and says that He longs to gather the people together as a hen gathers her chicks sheltering them under her wing.
“ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Matthew 23:37
During this Lenten season leading up to Easter, let’s not forget the importance of gathering with other believers. We can do that here in an online format and physically in our local churches. When we come and perch with other believers, we sing our songs of praise to God and chirp our encouragement to others.
The traditional focal points of Lent are fasting, prayer, repentance, and giving to the needy. Our times of gathering together can empower us to stay strong in fasting and prayer and giving. They help us to recognize our sin so that we will be drawn to repentance in God’s presence. God’s flock – the Church – is a powerful vehicle for His purposes to be accomplished in this world. His kingdom is a place for us to gather. To come and perch.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Action Step:
Let’s gather together on social media! Come on over to the Facebook page @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and introduce yourself to us! Share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!
THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! Let’s not just share our art but also the heart of what God is speaking to us with one another.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Prayer:
Dear God, Help us to step out of our comfort zones and gather together with other believers! Give us words of encouragement for others and help us to lift You up when we are together. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 1 Video:
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