We Needed An Interpreter

 Sunday evening we sat down to dinner after a full day of worship and ministering the word of God. We were all there except Taylor. Stories were swapped. Laughter filled the dining room. 

Suddenly, Brenda ducked her head and flailed her arms. I thought she had a fly or other bug swarming her head. I could not have been more wrong. To all of our surprise, a bird perched on top of her head. A sparrow to be more exact. Yes, a bird had somehow gotten inside our home. THE CHASE WAS ON!

Tanner took out in hot pursuit. Turner could not quit laughing in between ducking when the bird nosedived near his head. Tucker vigilantly stood guard over doors as we tried to hem the bird in the living room. We opened the front door and the door leading into the garage. At one point, the bird actually landed on top of the open door. Just inches from freedom all the bird had to do was fly outside. When Tanner and Turner closed in, along with Brenda holding the broom, the bird darted for the dining room again. The chase continued. Tanner in full chase mode. Turner still laughing and Tucker still standing guard. 

I thought to myself, "If I were a bird I could speak the bird's language and escort it to freedom." The bird flew in fear because we could not communicate with one another. We needed an interpreter. 

This whole scene played out for about ten minutes. Finally the bird got so tired Tanner caught it up and tossed it outside. When Tanner sat down he had a full sweat going. I admire his persistence. He saved the day like Superman. 

It got me to thinking. God tried everything to communicate with people. Dreams. Visions. Prophets. He sent laws. Still people kept sinning, rebelling and forsaking Him. Something kept getting lost in communication. God finally sent Jesus in human form. Jesus communicated on a level people understood and set the example on how to live. He modeled a life that pleased God. He taught truths that transformed. Jesus bridged the gap between God Almighty and His creation. Jesus became human and took our sin guilt so we could become holy. 

During this Thanksgiving season, I am all the more thankful for Jesus. Thankful He left the splendor of Heaven to walk the dusty dirt roads of Earth to communicate the love of God in a language we could understand. He became like us so we could become like Him. That fact still amazes me. Jesus became our interpreter. Gratitude should fill the heart of every believer. Hope should fill the heart of unredeemed people who have wrecked their lives. Jesus is the way to restoration and salvation. 

I will not soon forget the lesson I learned from a bird in our house. Just one more demonstration of God communicating love and truth in a way a simple minded man like me can understand.