To Chase A Chicken

Have you ever chased a chicken?  I can't say I've ever tried to catch one until recently, and let me tell you, it's no easy task!

My sister took a trip recently, leaving the care of her farm, with all it's beloved creatures, in my hands.  I enjoy the work, usually, so I was glad to do it.  The critters are so cute and fun, I look forward to spending time with them. 

Well, the other day, I ran into an obnoxious chicken.  I always open the gate very carefully but on this day, in spite of my caution, a long-legged fowl ducked between my legs and squeezed through the opening in the gate faster than I could blink.  That beady-eyed rascal was jubilant at having obtained her goal and ran down the fence row, squawking and flapping her wings with glee. 

My feelings were quite the opposite.  Panic set in immediately.  I knew on the other side of the fence row waited my sister's pet wolf, Mica, who'd be delighted to have chicken for lunch, and beyond that loomed the road with its killer cars.  My first reaction was to run after her, but I quickly realized that was pointless.  My stomach turned over and tightened into a knot as I thought about how my sister would feel if I couldn't safely recover her precious pet.  Even though she has about 30 chickens, she loves each as if it were her only one.  The thought of her grief was more than I could stand and I determined that, no matter how long it took or how difficult it would be, I must recover that chicken.  But I was clueless as to how to proceed.  There was no place to corner her. I couldn't outrun her.  I didn't have a net or tranquilizer dart and my roping skills were never good with horses so I was confident I'd have no luck roping a chicken.  As I spun in circles, both physically and mentally, I suddenly realized I needed to pray.  I cried out to God and asked Him for the wisdom and skill to catch this runaway and bring her once more into the safety of the barnyard.  As soon as I had finished praying I knew I had to lure the chicken, not chase her.  She had to come of her own free will. 

I went to the barn and got some cracked corn.  All the other chickens began to congregate around my feet and cackle out their excitement.  I scattered some kernels on the ground and a flurry of  feathers ensued as delighted hens churned about the ground sweeping up the morsels.  I turned to look at the gate and sure enough, pacing up and down behind it was the rebellious chicken.  She heard the happy chatter and knew she was missing out on something much greater than what she found in the outside world.  She had great expectations but the thrill quickly wore off and she understood she had made a mistake.   All I did was open the gate and in she ran as if her tail feathers were on fire.

As I consider this experience, I am better able to understand God's love for His children and my role in relation to others.  I see that if we truly love God we will love all His children just because He does.  We will feel a responsibility to bring those who are wandering around in dangerous territory into the safety of His fold.  But, I have often been confused about how to accomplish this task.  I have run after others, succeeding only in chasing them away.  I am beginning to understand that doesn't work.  The only way that I can be effective as a worker for God is to first ask for His wisdom, and then proceed according to His instructions.

Christ modeled for us how to win souls when He was on earth.  He met their needs and showed them love.  God lures people with love.  "We love Him because He first loved us."  While we were yet sinners, God demonstrated the depth of His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins.   Who can say no to that kind of love?  When people realize what they are missing out on they will come without coercion.  They will long to be a part of God's kingdom.

Chasing chickens doesn't work, unless you are a predator.  Satan chases and entraps but, Christ said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me."   He was willing to be lifted up upon a cross that we might behold His matchless love and choose to come to Him.

Bonnie Morsette ~ 11/10/2009