Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
We raise several types of poultry on our little farm: chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. We have a couple of turkey hens who have been very broody for the past couple of months – essentially that means that they’re trying really hard to hatch eggs. For whatever reason, we don’t have any fertile turkey eggs. So, my youngest daughter put a few chicken eggs under one of the turkeys. Last week we went out to find the cutest little chicken chick under the great big turkey hen. It was the only one to hatch, and it was absolutely adorable.
We’ve done similar things in the past. We had a chicken that hatched several duck eggs. It was delightful to watch her march across the barnyard with a perfect row of ducklings behind her. The most fun, though, was how she would panic when they’d all jump into the water trough and go for a swim. They were her babies, and she took great care of them.
It’s interesting how animals don’t question species in situations like this. They simply care for the young that have been entrusted to them. The chicken cared for the ducklings, and this turkey is taking great care of her little chick. They simply care.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could do the same? The Bible tells us again and again that we are one people, “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” Romans 12:5.
In worship this Sunday we’ll hear the Pentecost story. The amazing story of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus’ disciples and blessing them with the gift of languages. Jesus’ closest followers are now able to go out and preach to everyone, with no language barriers. Another fantastic example of the truth that God’s love and Jesus’ message are for everyone. Jesus calls us to be united. He calls us to look beyond any differences that we may perceive, and to simply care.
I don’t suppose it would be very good advice to ask you to behave like a turkey or a chicken – but I do think we could all use a lesson in caring. Simply care for others – no matter what. That’s what Jesus asks us to do.
Deacon Amy
