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Of Hummingbirds, Squeaky Wheels, and Wet Dogs

                But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. (Psalm 103:17-18)

 

I’ve read recently that hummingbirds at least sometimes choose to nest near birds of prey because the hawks or eagles either chase away or eat the animals that are likely to feast on hummingbirds while the hawks and eagles are likely to leave the hummingbirds alone as something too small to waste time on. No doubt, you’ve heard the aphorism that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” These come to mind in connection with today’s passage.

The hummingbird that does not nest near an eagle cannot complain that the eagle isn’t doing its job. The wheel that makes no noise cannot complain that it’s not getting greased. The person who walks away from God isn’t loved less by God, but has rejected that love. They choose not to receive it. God doesn’t say, “You can’t have.” The person says, “I don’t want it except on my terms.”

Similarly, the person who does not seek (or squeak) doesn’t see any connection between what happens and either God or their own behavior. Two similar illustrations come to mind. If you stay inside, you’re not going to experience rain.  You might think that’s a good thing, but whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing isn’t what’s important. It’s the fact that you don’t experience it because you’re inside.

If, however, you have a dog who comes in from the rain, you’re likely to experience the rain second-hand. In the same way, a parent or grandparent who fears, loves, and obeys God can bless their children or grandchildren even if the children and grandchildren don’t believe. And, to a lesser extent, every person you encounter in a given day is going to either be blessed as a result of God’s influence in your life or they’re going to be harmed by the lack or rejection thereof. 

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