19 Jan, 2009
Margaret Sullivan had no idea how deceptive her parrot, Barney, would become when she bought him 10 years ago. Like most parrots, he began imitating his owner, but she never would've thought that he'd be able to refine it so much as to include her New England accent! The bird, who according to Sullivan, thinks very highly of himself, uses his unusual talent to manipulate the other pets in the house to do what he wants. "He always says 'come here', 'come on' and 'good dog' to the pets and gives out orders to all the animals in Margaret's voice. It's uncanny. He mimics her perfectly and when the dogs come over to the cage as if they are following his orders. The animals all think he's Margaret when he speaks," says Sullivan's husband.
Picture and Story courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk
It's Just Parrot Talk!
John 10: 2-5
2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice (NIV).
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about knowing the true voice of God?
I've always loved this passage of scripture because I think it's so cool how the sheep are never fooled by strangers - they know the voice of their shepherd and they're never mistaken! However, if we're being most honest, there are times in life that it can be extremely hard to hear and decipher the voice of God, our Shepherd. With so many false prophets, cult leaders, and individuals who taint the Truth, God's voice is easily drowned out. Jesus warns us against such people in Matthew (24:5).
So how do we know God so well that nothing, and nobody, can deceive us with their mimicking, the way Barney is able to deceive the dogs? By staying in constant communion with God through prayer, scripture reading, and meditation. Paul says that as we grow in "knowledge and depth of insight" (of God), we will "be able to discern what is best" (Phil. 1:10). The sheep know their shepherd so well because they spend their lives hanging out with him, listening to his instructions, and following his lead.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Are there times when you feel like you can't hear or feel God's presence in your life? Are you confused by advice people around you are giving and aren't sure if it's God's leading, or theirs? Consider the amount of time you spend "hanging out" with God. Can you say that you're in constant communion with Him? How much do you spend listening, instead of talking, during your alone time with God?
- If you don't already, begin (today!) keeping a prayer journal. As you write down your prayers, you will be amazed how clear your thoughts and prayers become. Look back, periodically, at your earlier entries and see how God has been moving, what He's been teaching you, and what He might be saying to you.
- Pray for God to help you to hear his whispering voice in your life, through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to make you more sensitive to His leading and pray against the schemes and manipulations of those who are out to deceive you.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- Share the story of Barney, the parrot, as an illustration to help your friends understand how we all can be deceived by those who may sound and act godly, but in fact are not.
- If you have friends who are (or have been) in a situation where they are listening to individuals/people who are leading them astray or deceiving them begin by praying for them regularly. Pray that God would give them wisdom and insight to help them discern the truth.
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