“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

They say insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. I observed a bird that flew into our caged pool.  He kept staying in the same place anxiously trying to get through the same spots on the screen without success. Even though there was an open pathway through the side door, he would not venture from the place he chose as best. I thought, just like this bird, If we are not willing to change and seek a different path we are doomed to repeat our mistakes and stay on a way that leads to death.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12

It reminds me too, how from Noah’s ark a dove left a seemingly secure place to be set free. And as he ventured out, he soon found that resting place, never returning to where he once felt secluded and safe.   

And so it seems, much like the dove landing upon Jesus Christ as He sprung forth from the baptismal waters, He was identified as the Christ – God’s Anointed Son, God’s Best and mankind’s Rest.

As I continued observing my little friend, I was saddened by his futile attempts. At times he would discover new places to see if there was a way out, as he frantically flapped his wings, bouncing about.

As he flew up higher to the top of the cage, he met with a feathered friend. Who seemed to want to help him, but he just could not win. I kept asking myself, is he blind? Does he not see his plight, and the door left wide open made ready for his flight? (2 Corinthians 4:4)

JESUS: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4: 17-21

As my husband tried to coach the bird to the door, he panicked even more, and so we resolved, to keep it open and pray he could find the way to the freedom he once knew but somehow ignored.

JESUS: ” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Then I realized like that little bird, we are all lost, we are all blind to the way to the very one who can set us free until we begin to trust. (Isaiah 53:6)

JESUS: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. NIV John 3:16

What keeps one captive, what keeps one lost, what blinds us from the truth – they have netted their own cage through refusing to believe, a persistence of unbelief, ever wanting just something more, just one more proof.

Finally, the little bird found his way out and we never saw him again.

The bird imprisoned, reminded me of how my father came to faith. He would often tell us he was agnostic when I and my siblings witnessed Jesus Christ. There were times we left in tears as he continued to reject whatever we had to say. But through God’s grace, he finally listened, one day.  

It was on one of my visits when my father was confined at home, suffering from lung cancer, I witnessed God’s power to persuade. It was during one of our discussions, while my father was resting in his chair, that he suddenly, dozed off without warning, and when he awoke, he spoke of a dream:

” There is this man imprisoned in his house. the doors are locked, the windows barred, and he can’t get out. He cannot get out because he will not believe. “Then my father asked, “Why won’t he believe?

Then, just like the first time, he again dozed off, and when he awoke after just a few seconds he spoke of another dream.

“The man who was locked in the house and could not get out is now walking away on a pathway outside of his house.”

My dad never mentioned to me any association with the dream and himself, yet this dream confirmed to me my dad would indeed one day believe, and be saved.

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17

Approximately two weeks before my father passed away. Our loving and faithful heavenly Father did what only He could do. He sent a hospice nurse to witness his love and salvation everyday  while she was there, and she didn’t give up but persisted in sharing God’s Word until my dad said he was ready to accept Jesus Christ

Not many weeks later my father was taken to the hospital because it was becoming more difficult for him to breathe.  That night as I stayed with my mother, she expressed grief, not understanding why he had to continue suffering. So we prayed, and asked, if there was no other reason for our dad to remain and the Lord’s work was done, would he please take him to his heavenly home. That morning I awoke to the hospital’s call and was told my father had passed away.

Sometime much later, I reflected upon dad’s dreams. While he remained in his unbelief, he could not find the key that unlocked the door, but when he believed, he was free for evermore.

“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:7-10

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Even when we can not get through to our loved ones of your wonderful salvation, we know you can if we continue to pray and don’t give up.  Acts 16:30-31