Articles
Goldfinch
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for
thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
- Heb. 13:2
I can't count the number of times I have been in the woods and had an unexpected encounter with some animal that completely changed my day. The day this photo was taken I was in a particularly depressed mood and this little goldfinch suddenly appeared on a branch and allowed me several minutes to observe and photograph him. I couldn't help but smile at how this little guy brightened my day. I don't see these occasions as "chance" occurrences any more. God is in control of all things and I believe he delights at times in using his creation to minister to his children who need a gentle reminder that he is always with us. I think of this goldfinch as a messenger sent by God to minister to one of his struggling children in need of comfort. Scripture is full of instances where God sent angels to instruct and help his saints. In fact, the word "angel" means "messenger". Angels aren't human, although at times they can take on human form. They are created beings used by God for his purposes and for his glory. Scripture speaks of living creatures ministering to God. Could these living creatures be angels? I don't know. Can angels take other non-human forms ? I don't know. What I do know is that one of the purposes of angels is to minister to Christians. I also know that sometimes Christians entertain angels unaware that they are doing so. Now I am not saying that this little goldfinch that brought me joy in a time I very much needed it was an angel in the form of a bird. But I am not denying that possibility either. - John
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