Feathered Friends - Matt. 6:26
God's care for His creatures, particularly birds, teaches us about His provision, care, and concern for His people.
Bernard Fell preaches on the valuable lessons we can learn from observing the birds of the air, highlighting their care for offspring, diversity, and the provision of God for all creatures. He emphasizes the importance of being thankful for God's provision and care, drawing parallels between how God watches over the birds and His greater love for His people, who are more precious in His sight.
Text
Behold the fowls of the air . .
are ye not much better than they?
Matthew 6:26
We have occasional callers,
But many feathered friends;
Still more with Afric's warblers
When dreary winter ends;
They fill the air with music,
Some sing and others screech,
And in their care for offspring,
To many-lessons teach.
The bold and perky sparrow
Outnumbers all the rest;
The friendly robin redbreast
We seem to love the best.
Here comes the plump wood-pigeon
From fields with well-filled crop;
The blackbird and his brownie,
Who sing. and peck, and hop.
The rude and selfish starling,
Who flies to town to rest;
The graceful, long-tailed magpie,
Who robs another's nest:
The thrush, a speckled songster,
And many more we know;
Whoever can be lonely
With friends who come and go?
We pardon thieves in plumage
Who nip the cherry tree,
For pests, the gard'ner's worry,
We seldom ever see.
For birds be ever thankful,
Though farmers sometimes fear;
Without this avian service,
Lean harvests would appear.
Our friends appear well-nourished:
For God feeds one and all,
And watching o'er them daily,
He notes the sparrow's fall.
His people are more precious
Than fowls that flit the sky,
So, if they're over-anxious,
The birds may well ask, "Why?"
Sermon Outline
- God's Provision for His Creatures
- Humanity's Relationship with God
- God's people are more precious than birds
- God's care for His people is greater than His care for birds
Key Quotes
“Behold the fowls of the air . . are ye not much better than they?” — Bernard Fell
“For God feeds one and all, And watching o'er them daily, He notes the sparrow's fall.” — Bernard Fell
“His people are more precious Than fowls that flit the sky,” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We can learn from God's care for birds about His provision and care for His people.
- God values each of His people individually and cares for them deeply.
- We should be grateful for God's provision and care in our lives.