Robin

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matt 6:25-27 NIV

The robin is a special bird, and a constant reminder of one of the Godliest men I ever knew, my Dad. I have been known to talk to a robin at close range, and even felt they were listening. Untrue of course, but nice to have as memories. When I look out of my window, I can often see a robin sitting proudly, on the top of a stand pipe, looking around for food, or maybe company. I could watch this part of God’s creation for ages.

This section of scripture is used to emphasise the need for us not to worry, but maybe there is another lesson. I wonder if the birds of the air know there is a God who looks after them? That is a deep question, but one thing is sure. God knows for certain that the robin is there, and the Bible says He looks after them. If we take that a step closer to our own life’s application, we may not know or acknowledge God in our lives, but that does not stop that same ignored God, working on our behalf and looking after our needs.

Makes me think about the new (not really so new) atheism fronted by very learned professors like Richard Dawkins, who take every opportunity to malign and decry any kind of religious or spiritual faith, and especially Christianity. He may not recognise that there is a God, but the fact remains that our good God knows about every atheist, and loves them anyway. What a gracious God. Mind you there is a big difference between God’s love for the unbeliever, and his ultimate judgement for rejecting Him. Love and judgement is a balance that is only safe in a Holy God’s hands, and certainly not ours.