The Bird Cage

This week we will be entering the days before Easter. A few years ago I received an email that had a story attached to it. I saved it and was reminded of it recently. I am going to include it in my post today.

The Birdcage

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak... I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this birdcage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there, son?" Just some old birds," came the reply. What are you gonna do with them?" I asked. Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?" Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them." The pastor was silent for a moment. How much do you want for those birds, son?" Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old-field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten-dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty birdcage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!" What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked. Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" How much? He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. The pastor picked up the cage, he opened the door, and he walked from the pulpit.
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I never forgot that story. It says so much. A simple bird cage with a huge message. Whether you choose to believe or receive the gift that was paid for you is up to you. You were bought for a price. You have the choice to receive the freedom you have been given. Just as the birds flew free from their cage, so can you. Now your cage may look very different. You may be caged with fear, hurt, debt, past sins, doubt, worry, stress, etc. However, we all have been caged by sin. That is the price Christ paid for us. The moment sin entered the garden, the plan was put into action for the events we celebrate this week. He knew the struggles we would encounter. He knew the sins we would commit and continue to commit.There is much to celebrate for those of us that have received eternal life, through the death of Christ and resurrection. But we also are to remain free in other ways too. Christ didn't just die so we can be with him in eternity. He also gave us life while here on planet earth. We don't die the minute we accept him. We still need to continue on life's journey. He will walk each step of the way with us, if we ask for his help and guidance. This week I had a situation that got the best of me. I was frustrated and irritated. I went for a walk and as I walked and processed things, I was frustrated that I get worked up over things that in time really don't matter. In the moment, I was right and the other person was in the wrong. I could have proven my point, but I thought, for what? For 10 seconds of you are right and I am wrong, and then years of that person avoiding me or being afraid to ask me to help again? No, so I chose to let it go. As I processed this I thought, Lord, when will I be more patient, or more kind, more thankful that I was even asked to join in the activity. As quickly as I thought it, I was reminded.....never. I never will be. That is why God gives us the Holy Spirit. How do you know the Holy Spirit is alive and active in your life? By the fruit it gives. Love, patience, kindness, goodness, etc. You see I was bought with a price, but I was also given a guide to help me on this journey. I can never be that kind of person on my own. I need the help of the Spirit to be that person. I also find God gives us situations to strengthen the areas we are weak. He doesn't love us less and not trust us in future events. No, He patiently gives us situations that bring those qualities out in us.

Are you living free? Remember, the door has been opened, but it is your choice to accept.