One of the most beloved and most recognizable pieces in the classical cello repertoire is Saint-Saen’s The Swan. It is one of a number of creatures he evoked musically in his Carnival of the Animals. Others include the elephant, kangaroo, tortoise, lion, wild donkey and cuckoo.
To demonstrate to Job His wisdom, skill and creativity, God paraded before him–not musically but verbally–the lion, raven, wild goat, deer, wild donkey, wild ox, ostrich, horse, hawk and eagle. Without questioning the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit who inspired Job 39, I daresay the black heron of Africa could be added to the list–on the strength of a behavior that has been labelled “canopy feeding.” When it’s time to fish he tucks his head down and spreads out his wings in such a way that he resembles an umbrella. This improves his chances of catching fish in at least three ways: 1. it makes him appear to be a large, dark mass rather than the predator he is; 2. it reduces the sun’s glare much like our polarizing lenses, allowing him to see beneath the water’s surface without distortion; 3. the shade the canopy creates offers fish a place to hide–or so he thinks.
Who taught the black heron to behave in this way and thereby increase the likelihood of catching his dinner? (Hint: the answer is not “nature”). The bird’s Creator, our dear Heavenly Father, gave him these remarkable instincts. Jesus reminded His disciples in Matthew 6:26 that although the birds do not sow or reap or gather into barns, their Father feeds them. And they are more valuable to Him than they. Whether it’s daily bread, moral guidance or spiritual armor, God has provided all we need for life and godliness by means of His divine power (2 Peter 1:3). Whether your need today is physical, financial, psychological or spiritual, trust the One who equips and cares for all His creatures. You are at the top of His list.
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