Plovers vs Magpies

I remember us getting close to this paddock and I could hear the distinctive cry of the plovers, giving us a warning to stay away from them and their family.

Exodus 9:1-35

Reference: v.5 The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I can remember the very first time I heard of plovers. I was only a child and was at a shooting range out in the country with a friend. We were allowed to wander around the fields, however, there was one paddock we could not go into because of the plover birds.  It was explained to me that these birds were incredibly protective of their young and would swoop on anything they considered a threat. I remember us getting close to this paddock and I could hear the distinctive cry of the plovers, giving us a warning to stay away from them and their family. Not being a daredevil, I was quite happy to stay clear of their nests, and I kept one ear out for their cry so I didn’t even come close to being swooped.
As I write this post during Spring, I have come across a couple of other families of plover birds in my local area, however, my fear of these birds has subsided and transferred onto magpies. I am absolutely petrified of magpies! Although both of these birds are protecting their families, and they both swoop at any considered threat, there is a big difference between the two… a plover will give a warning cry whereas a magpie sneaks up behind you, with the first sign of danger being the sound of wings darting past your head (you see, still a little traumatised!). While I am still happy to stay well clear of plovers, I respect that they give a warning cry before starting to dive bomb your head.

Application: The plagues we read about in the early chapters of Exodus sound quite hideous. From frogs to hail to boils, there is little time for recuperation. However, when God sends these plagues He is much more like the plover than the magpie. While He is doing all of this to protect His family He gives fair warning. Over and over again He alerts Pharaoh to what He has planned, and yet Pharaoh does not heed His warning. God is just and did not throw these plagues upon the Egyptians without alerting them to what He had in store. At any time Pharaoh knew what he could do to stop all the pain and suffering of his people. God’s intention is not to cause us pain, but to always work at bringing us closer to Him.

Prayer: Lord, we don’t always know Your purpose or understand the means You use to connect with us. May we be open to Your calling and willing to respond to Your way. Amen.

How has God shown His justice towards you?

birds, Exodus, fear, justice