Great Horned Owl
John Miller
06/11/19
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 6/10/19 _________________________________________________________________________ "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." - Heb. 4:13 |
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I photographed this great horned owl at a bird sanctuary in Ohio. These owls are the largest owls we have and also the most intimidating. I think it is the penetrating eyes that seem to look right through us that elicit such a response. I know if I was a small rabbit, chipmunk, or rodent I would be absolutely petrified. With their superb night vision these owls often strike their prey at night, and with their silent flight they almost always catch their victims completely by surprise. One moment a small animal is making its way along the forest floor under the cover of darkness, and the next moment it is dead. There is no hiding from the eyes of this owl and there is no warning of its approach. In the natural world, death is always an ever-present danger. Of course, humans face the same reality every day. We just don't think about it. Out of sight, out of mind. As Christians we are not to fear the One who constantly watches our every move and knows our every thought because our acceptance with the Father has been guaranteed by the work of his Son. But make no mistake, we all will have to give an account of how we have lived this life, and there is no possibility of our hiding what we do from the eyes of the One who will be our eventual judge. On that day, rewards will be given and discipline will be administered. We are surely saved by grace alone through faith alone, but that faith by which we are saved must never be alone. Our works are not the basis of our salvation, but they must be the evidence of it. Faith without works is a dead faith, which really is no faith at all. Walk each day knowing that you are secure by the grace of God, but that you are being watched to see if what you profess is really what you possess. The heart of every Christian should long to hear those precious words from our Lord, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." - John
