Lessons on Galilee’s Shores from a Flock of Birds
“You Follow Me” John 21:22
(Words from Jesus to Peter on the shores of Galilee)
While our group sat enjoying our early morning devotional on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (two weeks ago), there were flocks of Mediterranean crane and other fowl continually flying by in perfect V shaped formation.
I was so amused and wondered about the scientific and spiritual significance of that majestic sight, and upon a bit of research I was stunned as to how that particular imagery reflects our life in Christ in significant ways.
Lesson 1:
The lead bird creates the direction and backdraft the other birds need to follow.
The Holy Spirit who guides our lives creates a backdraft that literally pulls us forward making following the Lord’s flight plan or will less complicated and easier to follow. If we truly trust the Spirit of God to never mislead us, then all the senseless worry and effort it takes to figure out where He is leading us in our life is diminished. Our goal is to follow our Leader and Providential God.
Lesson 2:
The flight is much more efficient and enjoyable if we respect His desired formation.
Notice that the flocks who are migrating don’t generally fly in a single line. The purpose of staying in the V formation allows the flock to see where they are going and keep their focus on the leader. Resisting God’s design or purpose in our life, or going it alone ends up being exhausting and directionless. We read in the scriptures that His commands or will “are not burdensome". They only become stressful when we insist on flying on our own away from the flock.
Lesson 3:
Flying away from the flock on our own takes more energy and useless effort.
I noticed that when one of the crane or geese fell out of line or straggled too far behind, they quickly returned to the flock. Apparently, the drag and resistance increase because the back and forward draft created by the lead and group is gone. It became very obvious that perhaps the independence that was so alluring to the individual bird created so much energy and slowed their progress down that it was no longer worth it for them to fly alone.
Lesson 4:
When all the flock cooperate with the direction and pace of their leader, they travel further and faster to their destination.
Each and every bird has a role to play for the betterment of the entire flock. The leader sets the pace for the whole flock. If he flies too fast it creates exhaustion, if he flies too slow it creates less lift for all. Each has a critical role in the flock. The birds up front create a forward draft that pulls the others along easier (I call it catching the back draft of the Holy Spirit) and the ones in the middle and back create an upward draft for the ones in the front. Interestingly enough, the lead bird has an easier job if the flock is flying as an intact unit behind him.
Lesson 5:
Honking is helpful and necessary for the flight.
The honking of the other birds, not to mention the lead, is to encourage the others to continue in the journey. It’s like putting our arm around a discouraged brother or sister in Christ, as if to say, you got this and all of us are with you in your journey of faith, keep going and don’t give up. God communicates with us through his Word and His people, we communicate with Him in prayer and through asking help from others in the flock when we are tired.
Lesson 6:
Keep flying tirelessly until the destination is reached.
These migrating birds can fly thousands of miles in order to reach their desired haven. Despite weather conditions, predators, and food shortages, nothing seems to get in the way of their flight pattern and goal. It doesn’t appear possible or even optional for the flock heading south to do anything but keep going until they arrive. Never do we see migrating birds turn around to go back north with the sense of a failed mission. Rarely is our life of faith easy. It takes grit, unity, tireless work, faith and most importantly the backdraft and presence of the Holy Spirit to arrive on the shores of warmth.
Every time you see the V formation in the sky over the Rogue Valley as they are honking their way south for the winter remember who you are following in your journey of faith and that we never fly alone. We are a family, there is a destination, and we will arrive safely!!!!
One more thing; I can almost imagine that when Jesus spoke to Peter on the shores of Galilee saying the words “you follow me” there was a sparkle in His eye, a slight smile on His face and nail scarred hand pointing above to the perfectly synchronized flock honking their way behind their leader going home!
Pastor Bill