Are you a speckled bird?
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Jeremiah 12:9, "Has not My inheritance become to Me like a speckled bird of prey, that other birds of prey surround and attack?"
The imagery used in this verse is striking. A "speckled bird"--conspicuous, isolated, and targeted. This is how God described His people in the days of Jeremiah, and it remains a fitting picture of the true Christian in this Christ-rejecting world. Spurgeon, with his usual spiritual insight, applies this to the believer who has been redeemed by sovereign grace: He will soon become a speckled bird in the midst of this wicked world!
Why is this so? Because the believer is no longer of the world. Though still in it, he is transformed by sovereign grace. The Holy Spirit has renewed his mind, opened his understanding, and given him a new heart with new desires. The result is inevitable: the Christian will think differently, live differently, and aspire after different things. The world will not understand him--nor will it welcome him.
The Apostle Paul declared, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2. This is not a mild suggestion, but a divine command. The world marches to the rhythm of pride, lust, greed, and self-glory. The believer walks to the beat of a very different drum--Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ exalted.
The child of God does not conform to the world in its pleasures, pursuits, or values. Certain things that are perfectly acceptable--even celebrated by society--the Christian must abhor. Why? Because he is governed by a higher standard: the Word of God. He is not concerned with appearing "normal" to the crowd, but with being pleasing to his Savior.
And so he becomes that speckled bird--odd, out of place, and often the object of scorn. The Christian then, is a pilgrim and a stranger in this poor world. He is passing through a country that is not his home. He looks for a city with foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.
Let us not be disheartened when we are surrounded and attacked, even by those who are "religious". The path of holiness has always been narrow, and there are few who find it. Jesus Himself was despised and rejected by men. Shall His servants be embraced by the world that hated their Master?
Take courage, child of God. If you find yourself walking contrary to the crowd, rejoice! It is evidence that grace has done its separating work in you. If you feel the loneliness of being a speckled bird, remember this: you are precious to the Lord. The world may despise you--but you are His inheritance, His special treasure! Soon the day will come, when the great separation will be complete, and the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father!
"O Lord, grant me the grace to walk in holiness, though the world hates me for it. Make me content to be a speckled bird. Teach me to think, speak, and live as one who has been redeemed by Your sovereign grace. May I never seek the world's approval, but only Your smile. Amen."
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We have posted another Christ-centered hymn by Isaac Watts, "The Glorious Christ" You can view the lyrics below the video by clicking on the "more" link.