Dec. 18

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

DEFENDED AND COVERED

   "As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem" Isa. 31:5

   With hurrying wing the mother bird hastens up to the protection of her
   young. She wastes no time upon the road when coming to supply them with
   food, or guard them from danger. Thus as on eagle's wings will the Lord
   come for the defense of His chosen; yea, He will ride upon the wings of
   the wind.

   With outspread wing the mother covers her little ones in the nest. She
   hides them away by interposing her own body. The hen yields her own
   warmth to her chicks, and makes her wings a house, in which they dwell
   at home. Thus doth Jehovah Himself become the protection of His elect.
   He Himself is their refuge, their abode, their all.

   As birds flying, and birds covering (for the word means both), so will
   the Lord be unto us: and this He will be repeatedly and successfully.
   We shall be defended and preserved from all evil: the Lord who likens
   Himself to birds will not be like them in their feebleness, for He is
   Jehovah of hosts. Let this be our comfort, that almighty love will be
   swift to succor, and sure to cover. The wing of God is more quick and
   more tender than the wing of a bird, and we will put our trust under
   its shadow henceforth and for ever.