Border Patrol
It’s summer time in Atlantic Canada and in my home town, that means sunshine, walks in the park and beach days. On this particular day, I was combining all three and walking the dog in the park along the banks of the lake. Our doggy is a Siberian Husky and she is not really a fan of swimming. This mornng was hot though, and she decided to wade into the lake up to her armpits. As she wandered around, I noticed a small flock of ducks swimming not too far offshore. That’s pretty common here and other than notice that they were there, I didn’t pay much attention. Mia, the dog, hadn’t been in the water more than a couple of minutes when one of the ducks swam over – staying just out of reach – and started following Mia. If Mia walked to the right, the duck swam after her and when she turned around, the same thing. The duck didn’t seem agitated and it wasn’t doing much quacking, but it was shadowing the dog’s every move.
I had never seen a duck so insistently faithful in pursuing a dog! Back and forth and back and forth they went. After several minutes, the other ducks began to move in closer to shore. Tucked in behind one of the adults, was a brand new baby. The duckling was paddling furiously, trying to keep up with the rest. At last it made sense. The duck interacting with my dog was the border patrol. It was making sure that no furry, toothy canine was going to put the vulnerable at risk. In retrospect, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a nest nearby as well.
That duck had one job – protect the flock.
To me, the dog is fluffy and fun and gives great kisses. To the duckling (and other ducks) the dog was a sure threat. If allowed to get too close, the dog could have cost the lives of the ducks. That duck was committed to guarnteeing that nothing could get past the safety boundry; ensuring that the ducks would not be overcome.
What an amazing picture of what God does for us with His Word and with the Holy Spirit. All throughout Scripture, God tells us to focus on Him, to trust Him to protect us.
Psalm 91:14-15
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My Name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honour him.
God warns us that there are things that will hurt us.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
He has provided the Holy Spirit to lead us in discernment.
Luke 2:27 – Simeon was moved by the Spirit
Luke 4:1 – Jesus was led by the Spirit
Acts 20:22 – Paul was compelled by the Spirit
The Bible tells us that there are dangers around us and that we need to be vigilant.
Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Check your surroundings. Are you safe from the enemy? Set up a border patrol to keep away all enemies (distractions & false teachings) that would seek to separate you from the flock (God’s body). Be faithfully alert and prepared to seek shelter in the safety of the LORD’s protection.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.