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The Shadow of His Wings

Just when you think you have seen it all, something happens that proves you wrong. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to take part in a friend’s wedding. As the groom and I made our way to the platform of the outside venue, we saw two buzzards standing side by side on a nearby pond bank. As we walked closer, the buzzards began to lift their wings and spread them out, allowing their wingtips to touch in the middle. I thought this was an amazing thing, buzzards who attended a wedding. The groom told me that he had learned in high school that one of the reasons buzzards raise their wings on a hot day is to create a shade. If a smaller animal comes into the shade, the buzzards would pounce upon it and consider it dinner. I told the groom that I had never heard that little piece of information before, but to be on the safe side, we weren’t venturing any closer to that shady spot.

I’ve thought a lot about those two buzzards in the past few weeks. They seem to represent the world and its tactics to lure people into a seemingly safe and comfortable place. Often people look for shelter and security in relationships, money, power, or prestige. Like the buzzards, these things may look like a safe haven of rest, but looks can certainly be deceiving. They may offer temporary relief but in the end bring destruction.

Psalm 91 clearly identifies the true place of peace:

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. (Psalm 91:1-4)

The psalmist reminds us that real peace and rest are found in the shadow of the Father’s wings. It may be a good time for each of us to make a shadow check and see where we are standing. Are we finding our refuge under the shadow of His wings, or have we been lured into a shadow created by buzzards who would love nothing more than to feast upon our poor judgment? Let’s find our shade, our rest, in Him alone.