One day a naturalist was traveling through a forest in South America. (A naturalist is someone who studies birds, plants, and animals)
He sat down to eat his lunch and suddenly heard the cries of a bird; which was fluttering over a leafy spot. He figured that's where his nest must be. The bird was in great distress. The naturalist was curious to know what all this fuss was about, then he saw it, creeping slowly along towards the tree he saw one of the most venomous snakes in South America. The Small glittering eyes were fixed on the birds nest, and his forked tongue darted quickly out and in as though anticipating his prey.
Presently he saw an unusual thing take place, the bird flew quickly away hither and thither and though in search of something in a few moments he saw him return with a small twig covered with leaves in his beak. Perched near the nest he laid the twig carefully across it covering his mater and her young completely. The little father bird had been show by God what to do and he did it quickly without delay. Then taking his place on one of the top most branches of the tree he seemed to grow calmer and quieter and there awaited the approach of the enemy for he was sure the protection he had given the little family would work.
By this time the snake had reached the tree and bent upon his object he twisted himself around the trunk and began climbing up, up, up. Then gliding along a branch he came close to the nest. He lifted his venomous head ready to dart upon the pour bird. His small glittering eyes watched the nest a moment and then -- throwing his head back as if he had received a sudden blow. He turned around and as fast as possible made his way back down the tree and disappeared in the tall grass.
You can imagine how curious the naturalist felt as to the cause of this, he could not understand why the snake had turned back from his prey at the very moment it seemed in his power, nor could he understand the quietness of the father bird who until his enemy departed showed no sign of a motion and now sang a song, a rapturous song of praises!
He climbed up the tree and examined the little broken brand the leave of which were curious in shape and color. He carried it home and told the whole story to a friend showing him the brand. The native friend explained that the leaf plucked off by the father bird to protect his family was poisonous to the snake. The snakes never touches this leaf.
Just like the little bird we too have an enemy the old devil Satan or the serpent. Rev. 20:2
We were all born in sin without doing something about this we Will die eventually, but God has provided a way Psalm 32:1
But the blood of Jesus Christ God's song cleaneth us from all sin. John 3:16
Even though this is all provided for us it will do us no good if we don't make use of it.
Just like the little bird went and got the leaf so are you and me nest by faith receive this forgiveness as protection.
Just like the little bird applied that protection and because it worked went and sang a song of rapturous song of praises.
When we pray by Faith is is like that little birth putting that leaf over his mate and family. The leaf was poisonous to the snake just like the faith of God is poisonous to our enemy the devil
Keep praying for our families.
