Kingfisher
John Miller
11/15/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 11/15/21 _________________________________________________________________ "Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel." - Phil. 1:15 |
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While I was watching a section of backwater at a local lake from my photography blind I encountered this little fellow, a male kingfisher hard at work. He was not doing what kingfishers usually do, that is perching over open water searching for small fish swimming near the surface. Instead he was back in some brush looking intently up the ravine he was in. Then, when another kingfisher flew nearby, he left his perch and engaged in what could only be called aerial combat with this visitor until he forced it away. What he was doing was not fishing, but defending his territory. Kingfishers nest near water and claim the surrounding region as their own. All intruders will be met with fierce resistance. When God, through his grace, drew us into his family, he charged us with defending what changed our hearts and made us a new creation - the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, brave men and women have been used by God to defend this precious news. And, throughout history, the gospel has needed defense. Whenever the gospel is lost, all else is lost. Whenever the gospel is distorted, it ceases to be the power of God and becomes a tool of Satan. The gospel is about what Jesus has done, not about what we are to do. The gospel is ours by grace, through faith, because of Christ. We had no part in it, and if we did, we would have ruined it. There is much we are called to do, but that is a result of our salvation, not its cause. So, if you are a Christian, learn what the gospel is and what it isn't. Make it your daily meat and drink. And, above all else, defend it with your life. It is that important. - John
