The other day I sat on my porch observing the activity of Hummingbirds and was blessed to realize the rich spiritual object lessons in the nature of these beautiful creatures of God’s creation. I watched them as they continually fed on the sweet nectar in the feeder. I watched their competition as they displayed an attempt to gain dominance over the food within the feeder. One bird in particular claimed ownership over the feeder and denied feeding rights to the other “hummers”.
We know that “the heavens declare the glory of God.” His creation displays His power, grace, and kindness. The creatures that make up His creation are given instinct and design that argue for both the creative genius and gracious provision of the Glorious God. Jesus, Himself, called attention to the providential care of God in the maintenance of the lily and the sparrow. Opened eyes are blessed to see God’s goodness in what He has made. These little winged creatures caused me to reflect upon the life, the attitude, and the care, that God provides for His “little ones.” I also thought of lessons that apply to the church and God’s people.
I, particularly, watched the hummingbird known as the “Ruby-Throated” Hummingbird. I noticed that this particular hummingbird can be very dominant over the feeder. I was particularly interested to note that “Ruby” drove the other birds away from the feeder, yet didn’t eat, herself! I, for the sake of this article, will reference “Ruby” as being in the feminine gender. Who knows, Ruby may be a Robert! I am no hummingbird expert.
Allow me to use “Ruby” in a spiritual application. You understand that I actually love these little flying “Buzz Saw’s”! They are one of God’s prettiest and most fascinating little creatures, in my eyes. These little creatures along with other creatures can illustrate spiritual truths. The world of creation does offer much in illustrating truths concerning God’s care as well as illustrating good or bad qualities in human beings. Solomon once used the ant to illustrate a spiritual point. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” – Proverbs 6:6 He goes on to mention that the ant labors and plans ahead without a guide for they have the God given animal instinct to work and plan ahead to survive.
The dominating hummingbird reminds me of a class of people who do not feed themselves and also drive others away from eating. They “guard the feeder” yet no one eats! There are many who have never tasted the riches of God’s grace and by their words and actions, keep others from “tasting”! There are false preachers who have never eaten of the “Bread of Life” and keep others away from eating of the “Bread of Life” by preaching everything but the Gospel. Many of them preach a social Gospel rather than the true Gospel that Jesus died, was buried and arose again. They admonish others to work for salvation rather than trust the One Who’s finished work took care of the sin problem! These false preachers have not eaten themselves and drive others away from the “feeder”! Jesus said, “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” – Matthew 23:13
It is a pleasant sight to see several of these little “hovercrafts” enjoying the sweet nectar together while humming their little tune of contentment and not competing over who eats first! I think of what David wrote, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
I believe that it is pleasant to the eyes of God when He see His redeemed people dwelling together, fellowshipping together, and enjoying together the good things of God as found in His Word. What a blessing when the local church is filled with people anxious to get to the sweet honey of God’s Word and always sensitive to never be guilty of driving away any potential “feeder”! “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
The God who gives His little Hummingbird its beauty and instinct to survive, truly wants His people to enjoy the sweet things He offers without any hindrance. May I also suggest that it even becomes a natural thing to hum with contentment in knowing that the “feeder” will always be in place and full of sweet nectar.
Chuck Peters
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