The Red-Tail Hawk vs. the ravens

The other day I saw a red-tailed hawk land in tree at the park. Shortly after, I saw three ravens come and land around the hawk. The ravens were squawking incessantly at the hawk. The hawk looked straight ahead and was unfazed by the other birds. The hawk eventually took to flight and the ravens followed. Swooping down, they tried to peck at the hawk, but dared not to get too close. It was as if they wanted to rattle the hawk or chase it away. In the end, the ravens left and the hawk perched quietly and confidently on a light pole.

As I watched this scene, I could not help think of Jesus being tempted by the devil in Matthew 4. I saw Jesus as the hawk and the devil and his temptations as the ravens. I feared for the hawk considering he was out numbered. But the hawk never lost faith in his abilities. Also, if the hawk wanted to, he could have crushed the ravens, but he gave them numerous opportunities to change their ways. In total control, the red-tailed hawk remained steady in its God-given abilities. The ravens resorted to random tactics that may have scared lesser creatures, but not the faithful hawk.

With Jesus, you have nothing to fear except the Lord. If you have fear, then you do not have faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, the devil is still around, but it is a fact - he cannot defeat Jesus (see resurrection). How do you handle the devil's temptations? Are you faithful when facing adversity?

• No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Cor 10:13).

• Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Ep 6:10-11).

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are our mighty fortress against evil. You strengthen and protect us, and we thank you. Fill our hearts, lives, and homes with the Holy Spirit to live faithfully and serve you confidently. In Jesus' Name, Amen.