The Redwing Blackbird
Nature NuggetObject Lesson★★★★Redwing blackbirds often live near ponds. With their black feathers glistening in the sunlight, they cling to cattails as they call out their musical oak-ah-reeee. Flying off, they hunt insects, then return to their perches, showing off their crimson wing-patches and joyfully announcing their return.
Somewhere near the father’s perch sits a tidy nest woven from reeds and attached to cattails. There the brown-feathered mother sits on several blue eggs or naked chicks. In the meantime the father enjoys displaying his beautiful colors and singing to anyone who will listen. He doesn’t keep his joy a secret.
It was the same way with Peter and John when the authorities wanted them to quit preaching. They “showed their colors,” because nothing could keep them from telling about their experiences with Jesus. They said, “We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard” (ICB).
You can “show your colors” by telling someone how Jesus has helped you. Or by sharing a Bible verse with a friend or speaking up in a gentle way when a classmate says bad things about God. Are you ready to show your colors?
CONTACT: Dear Father, please show me how to be a kind but bold and willing witness for You.
Elaine Egbert, Nature in a Nutshell: Daily Devotions for Juniors, 173.
The point
Using the redwing blackbird's bold display and song, this object lesson encourages believers to boldly share their faith like Peter and John, showing their colors for Jesus.
The lesson
We should be like the blackbird and not hide our faith—we can tell others about Jesus.