While hiking through the forest this morning, (No, we weren’t out looking to shoot a turkey.) my son and I suddenly found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of robins. It was almost Hitchcockian. Just in case you might have wondered where all the robins went this fall, they are in Leominster State Forest in Massachusetts. There is no danger that they are about to become extinct.
However, there are many endangered animals about to go extinct. If you looked in the mirror today you might have seen one. You are a very unique, special, one-of-a-kind creature. You are a one time only, ever, combination of DNA. There never was one like you and there never will be another. Perhaps that’s one important reason why God values you so much. Might I go so far as to say He needs you? If you are not eternally His, He will forever have an empty spot in His heart.
It is no wonder in Luke 15 Jesus speaks of the great rejoicing in heaven over the salvation of one soul. Preparation has been made for everyone. Preparation has been made for you. If you are not at the wedding feast mentioned by John in Revelation 19, there will be an empty seat at the table. It will be a Thanksgiving table for all who are there, but, despite God’s happiness for the redeemed, He will forever grieve for those not there.
Of all the many things for which I am thankful this Thanksgiving Day, I am most thankful we have been granted the privilege of never becoming extinct. We will forever grow more and more into the perfect likeness of the One who originally knelt in the grass of Eden and made our parents in His image.
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 26, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94547
Rogerbothwell.org