Ostrich
Children's sermon
Learning From the Lizard
Bible Animal Object Lessons
Object:
Strength For Sensational Speed
When she begins to run, she can laugh at any horse and rider (Job 40:18 TEV).
The ostrich, considered the world's largest bird, is flightless. It may be as much as eight feet tall, and weigh 300 pounds or more. At one time the ostrich was prevalent in Israel, but now is extinct there.
The most extensive listing in the Bible about the ostrich is in Job 39:13-18. I will consider verse by verse some of the characteristics listed (RSV translation).
"The wings of the ostrich wave proudly" (v. 13). It is well known that the plumes of the ostrich are beautiful and prized the world over. The cock bird especially during the mating season presents a stunning appearance.
"For she leaves her eggs to the earth, and lets them be warmed on the ground" (v. 14). The ostrich lays its eggs in a shallow depression in the sand, usually laying about ten eggs, but she may lay up to 25 eggs. The male incubates them during the night, and during the day the female takes her turn. During the day the warm desert sand is all that is needed for incubation, so the nest may be left uncovered. The eggs are double the size of a softball, with about a six inch diameter, as large as two dozen hen eggs. The eggs are a prized food for man or animals. They are very thick shelled, so much so that the empty shells have been used as utensils.
"A foot may crush them and the wild beasts may trample them" (v. 15). This can and does happen. The ostrich often sits behind the nest during the day and, if frightened, may race away, stepping on its own eggs. Or when the eggs are unprotected, another animal could step on them.
"She deals cruelly with her young" (v. 16). Many birds have great mothering skills, protecting the young with their own bodies; not so with the ostrich. When danger approaches they tend to run away, possibly hoping to draw off intruders. The chicks, well camouflaged with their coloring, sink to the ground.
Someone has suggested that ostriches are terrible parents but, "wow" can they run! In fact, they can outrun the best horses with speeds up to fifty miles an hour.
"God has made her forget wisdom" (v. 17). The ostrich is not a smart bird, but the story of an ostrich burying its head in the sand is not true. The idea likely comes from the fact that when alerted it may crouch on the ground with neck outstretched low to the ground, peering at whatever is causing the disturbance. Foolishness is also evident because the parents, not needing to incubate the eggs during the warm day, may wonder off, allowing enemies to get at the nest.
The preference of the ostrich for living in solitary places is referred to by some of the prophets. See Isaiah 13:21 and Jeremiah 50:39. Isaiah 34:13 (RSV) says: "Thorns shall grow over its strongholds, nettles and thistles in its fortresses, it shall be the haunt of jackals, an abode for ostriches."
Lessons From The Ostrich
You may run and not be weary. The ostrich is certainly known for its speed. Despite desert living it has great endurance and can go for a long time without food or water. This is a call for lasting endurance and to be nourished on the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit. Through Christ, God offers the "Living Water," and "Bread of Life," and the "Light of the World."
Prayer
Oh, Divine Redeemer, as we learn lessons for life from another of your creatures, may we be those who have great spiritual endurance for your glory! Bless now with your strength any who may be growing weary, especially any who are suffering or in emotional pain. Thank you for your help in Jesus' name. Amen.
When she begins to run, she can laugh at any horse and rider (Job 40:18 TEV).
The ostrich, considered the world's largest bird, is flightless. It may be as much as eight feet tall, and weigh 300 pounds or more. At one time the ostrich was prevalent in Israel, but now is extinct there.
The most extensive listing in the Bible about the ostrich is in Job 39:13-18. I will consider verse by verse some of the characteristics listed (RSV translation).
"The wings of the ostrich wave proudly" (v. 13). It is well known that the plumes of the ostrich are beautiful and prized the world over. The cock bird especially during the mating season presents a stunning appearance.
"For she leaves her eggs to the earth, and lets them be warmed on the ground" (v. 14). The ostrich lays its eggs in a shallow depression in the sand, usually laying about ten eggs, but she may lay up to 25 eggs. The male incubates them during the night, and during the day the female takes her turn. During the day the warm desert sand is all that is needed for incubation, so the nest may be left uncovered. The eggs are double the size of a softball, with about a six inch diameter, as large as two dozen hen eggs. The eggs are a prized food for man or animals. They are very thick shelled, so much so that the empty shells have been used as utensils.
"A foot may crush them and the wild beasts may trample them" (v. 15). This can and does happen. The ostrich often sits behind the nest during the day and, if frightened, may race away, stepping on its own eggs. Or when the eggs are unprotected, another animal could step on them.
"She deals cruelly with her young" (v. 16). Many birds have great mothering skills, protecting the young with their own bodies; not so with the ostrich. When danger approaches they tend to run away, possibly hoping to draw off intruders. The chicks, well camouflaged with their coloring, sink to the ground.
Someone has suggested that ostriches are terrible parents but, "wow" can they run! In fact, they can outrun the best horses with speeds up to fifty miles an hour.
"God has made her forget wisdom" (v. 17). The ostrich is not a smart bird, but the story of an ostrich burying its head in the sand is not true. The idea likely comes from the fact that when alerted it may crouch on the ground with neck outstretched low to the ground, peering at whatever is causing the disturbance. Foolishness is also evident because the parents, not needing to incubate the eggs during the warm day, may wonder off, allowing enemies to get at the nest.
The preference of the ostrich for living in solitary places is referred to by some of the prophets. See Isaiah 13:21 and Jeremiah 50:39. Isaiah 34:13 (RSV) says: "Thorns shall grow over its strongholds, nettles and thistles in its fortresses, it shall be the haunt of jackals, an abode for ostriches."
Lessons From The Ostrich
You may run and not be weary. The ostrich is certainly known for its speed. Despite desert living it has great endurance and can go for a long time without food or water. This is a call for lasting endurance and to be nourished on the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit. Through Christ, God offers the "Living Water," and "Bread of Life," and the "Light of the World."
Prayer
Oh, Divine Redeemer, as we learn lessons for life from another of your creatures, may we be those who have great spiritual endurance for your glory! Bless now with your strength any who may be growing weary, especially any who are suffering or in emotional pain. Thank you for your help in Jesus' name. Amen.
