Doves

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you... and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” (Job 12:7, 8b, 9).

As we read about different animals in the Bible, we see that God made animals for us to learn from them many great and valuable lessons in life. Animals have distinct characteristics that can show us how humans should behave.

Jesus taught truths using these animals in the form of similes.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

We observe from the characteristics of these animals, that sheep are vulnerable to predators, such as wolves. The sheep are without protection. Wolves are hunters on the prowl. They will devour innocent sheep in a heartbeat. Serpents are considered wise with sly and cunning maneuvers. Snakes will move slowly through new territory. Usually, they stay concealed finding a place to hide.

Doves were designed with innocent, meek, and gentle qualities. They are birds known to be non-threatening. When Jesus sent his disciples out to teach the world, He compared them to sheep amid wolves. Jesus knew there would be people out there, who would attack them for their proclaimed message.

How does a person become wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove? It does sound as if the two do not mix. To be wise is to be practical, prudent, and discerning regarding relationships.

Be wise in keeping yourself innocent.

Be practical in keeping yourself away from the evil in the world.

Be prudent in how you manage yourself around others.

Know when to turn away and hide like that wise snake when others want to lead you into temptation.

Sing: “How Great Thou Art“

“Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground.” (Genesis 8:8)

The dove, a beautiful bird with a lovely cooing sound is one of God’s creatures that has many symbols. We find many of them in the Bible.

Let us learn a little bit about the nature of doves. Doves, turtle doves (a dainty dove), and pigeons (larger in size) are from the order Columbiformes family of birds. A dove’s eyes are on the sides of their head, having a 340° vision. They can see in front and in back at the same time. This is necessary for an animal of prey to watch out for predators.

Doves can fly up to speeds of fifty-five mph.

Doves will only descend when they know it is safe and trust where it will land. Once a dove starts its descent, it doesn’t have the ability to go in reverse.

We first read of the dove in Genesis 8:9. After Noah sent out a raven, he sent out a dove. It flew to and fro, then came back after no place to land. Seven days went by, and Noah sent the dove out again. This time by evening the dove brought back an olive branch. This is where the symbol of hope, peace, and a new beginning came from.

In the gospel accounts we read that the Holy Spirit descended as a dove when Jesus was baptized.

“The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him” (Matthew 3:16b; cf. Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32).

When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came down and rested upon Jesus to stay. Just as when we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, there is trust. And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). A symbol of peace.

Hymn: “I’ll Fly Away”