Butterfly-Releaser-in-Chief

One of my roles and offices at Salem Chapel is Butterfly-Releaser-in-Chief. I don't recall having this extra job being explained to me when I was appointed, but it is a regular feature of pastoring a country chapel which likes to leave its doors open. The captives are invariably Small Tortoiseshells (Aglais urticae) which seem to be more attracted to the relative cool and darkness of a human habitation. I released three on Tuesday night and four a previous Lord’s Day and one the next Thursday.

It takes some trouble to cup them without damaging their wings, so a glass and paper are the usual equipment, though my hands may also suffice. Curiously, they seem reluctant to leave once I bring them outside, as though my warm flesh gives them pleasure. It takes some further effort to place them on a buddleia bush or to persuade them to fly off. They often resist capture to begin with and then resist freedom when it is given them.

Are we not like this concerning death? The Lord goes to some trouble to win our souls, but when He would release us into the eternal realms, we scream and drag our heels as though we preferred this world of sin and gloom. Let the ungodly and unbelieving fear death, but let the redeemed child of God embrace it!

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Philippians 1:23

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