Del Bieber*

“Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion,

seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same

experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.”

(1 Peter  5:8, 9)

“Rescue the perishing; care for the dying.

Jesus is merciful; Jesus will save.”

Fanny G. Crosby

There was a ruction, a racket, and a near revolution happening in the oak tree at the end of our driveway. So I grabbed my camera and tip-toed toward the tall timber. To my amazement the oak tree had become a magnet of avian diversity. It is not unusual to find small grackles and starlings hanging out together; however, blue jays and robins joining their company is another matter.

Grackles, starlings, blue jays, catbirds and mockingbirds were scrambling around among the branches and leaves. There they scolded, screeched, and squawked in chorus at a common enemy. A merlin—a bird of prey and a member of the falcon family—had captured a starling and sat in the midst of the branches, preparing for lunch. Taking turns, individual birds from the assembly-of-the-prayed-upon attacked the victor in an obvious attempt to rescue their captured (but not yet deceased) comrade. I had never witnessed such cooperation among families and species. For a time they put aside their differences and natural hostilities to help a bird in need.

Again and again they flew sortie missions to the center of the tree. One after another they risked their own lives to help their fallen brother. With careful advance and rapid retreat they beat upon the hungry general-with-wings—their tiny feet and beaks blazing. Several times their little friend almost broke free as Merlin-the-Great adjusted his position to fend off the attacks. In the end, the tiny warriors were defeated and left the giant oak, one unit at a time.

However, they also left with a lesson. The Apostle expressed the idea in his letter to the Church. His advice to believers was to resist the adversary—firm in their faith—knowing that this is what champions do. Attempting to rescue the perishing is instinctive to those who have been rescued by Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I know my limitations. In comparison with the strength of the Evil one, I am weak. I need the encouragement and help of other believers, but most of all I need your help. I hear the roaring condemnations of the Enemy, but I know that unless you grant him permission, his roar has no rip to it. As I pray for needed strength, I also thank you for the believers that come alongside of me—supporting, caring, and rescuing me. Strengthen us as we attempt to rescue others. Amen.