Dec. 18
DEFENDED AND COVERED
"As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem" Isa.
31:5
With hurrying wing the mother bird hastens up to the protection of
her young. She wastes no time upon the road when coming to supply them
with food, or guard them from danger. Thus as on eagle's wings will
the Lord come for the defense of His chosen; yea, He will ride upon
the wings of the wind.
With outspread wing the mother covers her little ones in the nest.
She hides them away by interposing her own body. The hen yields her
own warmth to her chicks, and makes her wings a house, in which they
dwell at home. Thus doth Jehovah Himself become the protection of His
elect. He Himself is their refuge, their abode, their all.
As birds flying, and birds covering (for the word means both), so
will the Lord be unto us: and this He will be repeatedly and
successfully. We shall be defended and preserved from all evil: the
Lord who likens Himself to birds will not be like them in their
feebleness, for He is Jehovah of hosts. Let this be our comfort, that
almighty love will be swift to succor, and sure to cover. The wing of
God is more quick and more tender than the wing of a bird, and we will
put our trust under its shadow henceforth and for ever.