After watching a flock of white ibis fly over our house in V formation, I did some research and discovered that each bird flying behind the leader saves energy by catching the preceding bird's updraft. This formation also allows each bird a full view of where they're headed.
And it's also a great analogy for godly fellowship.
In Ephesians 4:11-16, we’re told that Christ equips us so we aren’t “blown about by every wind of teaching.” And one way He does this is through fellowship with more mature Christians who can lead the way. As they speak God's truth in loving fellowship, each of us takes our place, following their example and benefiting from their spiritual “updraft.”
The V formation is also a great analogy if we think of the V as a symbol of Christ’s Victory over sin. As we fly forward in fellowship following the lead of mature believers, we sharpen our faith, overcome sin, and learn how to endure the storms of adversity (Proverbs 27:17).
So let's make God's Word our flight plan and fly with those who lead us in the right direction, flying “toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Note: Man learns from God's creation: “The logic behind military aircraft flying in formation is similar to the reasons why birds fly in formation—it allows for coordinated movement, identification of any threats, and can save energy (in the case of aircraft, fuel savings).” (source)
Hi Gail, I like your analogy of the geese flying in a V formation. I plan to use it in my Sunday school class for fifth and sixth graders. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat blesses me to hear, dear friend.
DeleteThere is more to this analogy that is also true in all of nature, you can't get something from nothing. As explained, all the birds are getting a free ride. That's incorrect. The lead bird is heavily burdened with pulling all the other birds in the formation. And if you watch closely the lead bird can't shoulder the burden for more than 30 or 60 seconds before they breakout and go to the back of the line for a "free" ride themselves. It's like our ministers pulling us along in our faith. There is only so much they can do before they need a rest and someone else needs to take the lead. It is highly dynamic; always changing and that's how God designed it. We all need to prepare for our time when we're asked to lead, brief as it maybe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that none of the birds are not getting a free ride, and that's not what the devotion says. The v-formation gives some birds help, but they still exert energy, using their wings, and learning how to maneuver. I didn't mention all of the details in this devotion, but in v-formations, adult birds take turns in the lead, but younger birds do not. In that respect, it illustrates younger Christians being helped along by more mature Christians.
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