MARCH 17, 2024
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare with the wings and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers; she cares not that her labor was in vain, for God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense. Yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider. - Job 39:13-18 (NIV)
Yesterday, we talked about speed, powered by the prophetic. Today, let us meditate on the reality that speed without wisdom is not only undesirable, but it is dangerous. Let's do that by considering the ostrich.
The ostrich is probably one of the most well-known birds. Aside from its size and striking appearance, it is probably best known for being a very fast-running bird. Indeed, it might surprise you to know that the ostrich is actually a faster runner than a horse!
It seems there is a lot to like about the ostrich - it's imposing appearance and speed are definitely remarkable.
Yet, when the Bible speaks of this otherwise fascinating bird in the book of Job, it describes it as a foolish bird! Our anchor Scripture says "God did not endow her (the ostrich) with wisdom, or give her a share of good sense" (Job 39:17)
...we should value wisdom just as much, maybe even more than we value speed!
Why does the Bible call the ostrich foolish? The explanation is the following verses: "she treats her young harshly... she cares not that her labour was in vain."
Aside from this being a direct message to parents to value and nurture their children, this verse has a broader meaning in how we approach life overall. In short, we should value wisdom just as much, maybe even more than we value speed!
This is because wisdom is a great facilitator and enhancer of speed. Indeed the Bible calls wisdom "the principal thing" (Proverbs 4:7) Wisdom can produce speed, but speed without wisdom produces destruction. It is better to move steadily and deliberately in the right direction - the direction God is leading you - than to be hurtling with great speed in the wrong direction.
As we receive prophetically-powered speed, let us also be hungry and open to God's wisdom. Let us spend time in prayer and Scripture and remain sensitive to God's spirit. God will respond. We are sure of this as we are promised in James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Center your heart on wisdom today. And may the wisdom of God lighten our paths this day and all our days, giving us speed in the right direction in Jesus Name. Amen
Song of Worship
Trust and Obey (Hymn)
Prayer - Dear Lord, as you endow me with speed, I pray that You also grant me wisdom so that I am moving in the right direction. Help me to direct my labour profitably, so that my work yields fruit.
Bible in 1 year: Deuteronomy 32-34
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