Issue 1555 – A Partridge in a … – September 20, 2024
I was searching my photos recently and came across this one I don’t even remember taking. If I didn’t take it, and I got it from you, let me know so I can give you appropriate credit.
It’s the Gray Partridge (a.k.a. Hungarian Partridge, “Huns,” or English Partridge). The gray partridge is the partridge of Christmas carol fame, as in a “partridge in a pear tree.”
These birds were introduced to North America from Europe in 1790 and have thrived in many areas. They have adapted so well that they are hunted as game birds.
Introduced species can be a boon or a disaster. The prolific English or house sparrow has displaced many species and often become a nuisance.
I recently read about a South American moth that eats cacti. It was brought to Australia to eliminate the prickly pear, which, growing from a single plant, spread to over 50 million acres in 150 years.
The moth did its job and brought the prickly pear in Australia under control. This same moth has now been found in Mexico where it is threatening the livelihood of farmers who grow a species of popular edible cactus.
The ancient emperors of Rome had no problem with Christians being introduced into their communities at first. That changed when their numbers began to increase, and the revolutionary, countercultural way of life that Jesus commanded us to live became perceived as a threat to Rome’s authority.
The freedom found by many was a threat to some. Many persecutions followed.
In the same way, the Pharisees and Sadducees tolerated Jesus until his following grew to the point where they felt threatened. The freedom people found in Christ was seen to be a threat to the power structure of the Jewish church. They executed Jesus and many more, including Stephen and James.
Those who find Christ are set free from the bondage of their sin. Their lives are transformed in ways that defy description. They no longer accept the status quo of the world or buy as readily into its lies.
That makes Christians seem like a threat to others. In our so-called “tolerant” society, you are free to share any religion, but bring up the name of Christ and watch how quickly the barriers go up.
We should not be surprised by this fact. Jesus warned us it would be this way.
Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:1-23
He tells us to expect persecution and to count it a blessing.
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. Luke 6:22-23
None of us enjoys being rejected by family and friends because of our faith, the snide little digs, or being dropped from the social circle of friends.
None of us enjoys the one-dimensional caricatures of Christians portrayed by the media. Yet these things are minor compared to the persecution that many still face for their faith and what may yet befall us, our children or grandchildren.
When the persecution comes … hold fast. The eternal rewards outweigh the temporary pain.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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