Watching Sparrows

I’m sitting out in my back yard. The laptop is on the table, a drink by my side. The foxgloves sway in the breeze and the tomato plants soak up the sunlight. In my over-grown bushes, the sparrows bicker and play, and a late blackbirds’ nest receives regular visits from its doting architects.

I have a number of birdfeeders and I've placed a slice of nice wholegrain bread in one of the holders. The dozen or so sparrows who consider my backyard their home do not mind me sitting here; they feed and squabble to their heart’s content. Until I turn to look at them, that is. The best of us don’t like being watched while we eat, but these sparrow-folk would sooner fly into a bush than have me turn my head and observe them. They tolerate my presence, but they do not desire my attention. Wildlife does not easily offend me, but I did give this some thought. Sparrows are little birds and easy prey for bigger creatures. While I pore over my Bible or type into my laptop, they know I mean them no ill. When I turn my gaze upon them, they calculate the possibility of my intentions being less than benevolent and remove themselves from my company. 

Non-believers see not the kindly face of Christ, His amorous, beautiful eyes nor the glorious scars in His hands and feet. To them He is no Lover among the lilies nor handsome Groom coming in the night. Their unredeemed hearts and unatoned sin can only behold the waiting sword of justice and accompanying white throne:

And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Rev. 6.

The gaze of God is terrifying to those who prefer darkness, whose deeds are evil. But to those who believe, it is the desired attention of a loving Father:

And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord God. -Ezekiel 39:29