Who provideth for the raven his food?
JOB 38:41
Under the Mosaic law, the raven, or crow, was an unclean bird. Yet the Lord saw fit to care for it. This was the implication of the Lords question to Job. Even by natural standards, the raven is not an attractive bird. It has a tendency to feed upon dead carcases like a vulture. Yet despite its lack of appeal, the Lord has His eye upon it for good. It is unclean, yet a recipient of Gods mercy. How like man, defiled in thought, word, and deed, yet the object of the Lords kindness and grace! While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).
The raven, as any farmer will testify, is a very noisy bird. In fact, Gods care for it is in answer to its cry, a sound that is not pleasant to the ear. It does not warble or cheep. Its call is more aptly described as a harsh, rasping squawk, repeated incessantly to the annoyance of all within range. Nevertheless, the Bible impresses upon us that the cry of the raven is heard on high. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry (Psa. 147:9). Every believer should remember the raven. The Lord is not interested in dry, formal prayers with well-constructed sentences and fine-sounding phrases. Rather would He hear a squawk from the heart, a fervent lifting up of the soul to seek His face in earnest supplication.
Again recall that Gods treatment of this bird is an encouragement to every believer to trust Him more. That is what the Lord wanted Job to do. He was enduring hard days and difficult times. Bitter thoughts had arisen in his heart. Did God really care? Had He forgotten him? The Lord directed Job to the raven. If He would extend mercy and care to a creature that was basically useless and of no real value to anyone, how much more would He care for those who look to Him from a contrite heart!
(Eagles Wings)
