Rescue!

 by Macy Johnson

“To rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

and to enable us to serve him without fear.”

(Luke 1:74 NIV)

 

Purple Martins flew in a frenzy over the water and around their two-story house. “They must be feasting on bugs,” my husband commented. Then suddenly Jeff jumped out of his chair and hurried down to the dock. I noticed the birdhouse’s pole was thick and moving.

 

I watched from the porch as Jeff, with an extended rod in hand, poked at and attacked a large, black rat snake. He knocked the predator into the water and watched it swim to the nearby pontoon boatlift. The snake was not happy. His afternoon meal had been interrupted. The Purple Martins were rescued.

 

My husband made a few adjustments and smeared grease on the birdhouse’s pole, so serpent predators could not claim success so easily. I watched from a distance and marveled as the scene unfolded before my eyes. What perfect timing! God lifted Jeff’s eyes to the birdhouse in the nick of time. A potential disaster for our Purple Martins was averted.

 

As Zechariah sang his song in the first chapter of the book of Luke, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied of God’s rescue of His children. His son, John the Baptist, was chosen to announce the pending arrival of the Messiah. Rescue was on the way!

 

Just like my husband saved the Purple Martin nests from destruction by a snake, Jesus came to release us from our destructive selves and the evil forces around us. I only need to trust Him to be on guard to protect me. Unlike my husband, He always has His eyes on the Sparrows and Purple Martins and will use us as His instruments of relief.  

 

I will thank my heavenly Father for his daily rescues. I hope you will, too!