“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37
The Mother Hen’s Love
When we think of how a mother hen cares for her chicks, it can remind us of the love and protection God has for us. Just like a hen gathers her young under her wings to keep them safe, our hearts can find solace knowing that God desires to shelter us from harm and danger. This love is unconditional and everlasting, and we can always turn to Him in moments of need. Reflecting on this imagery allows us to see God’s heart towards us, as He longs to give us guidance, nurture, and comfort. In times of trouble, we can seek refuge in Him, trusting that He will be our protector.
Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” – Psalm 91:4
Luke 13:34
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!” – Luke 13:34
Isaiah 31:5
“Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it; he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.” – Isaiah 31:5
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” – Matthew 18:12
Proverbs 14:26
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” – Proverbs 14:26
Chickens in The Bible
The presence of chickens in the Bible serves as a reminder of God’s care for His creation. These birds symbolize not just domestic life, but they also illustrate biblical truths about family, care, and provision. Thankfulness is rooted deeply in caring for what we have, just as we observe the simple yet profound care of chickens towards their chicks. Let’s reflect on how we can emulate such genuine love and responsibility in our own lives. Loving and caring for others, like the hen does for her chicks, can strengthen the fabric of our communities.
1 Kings 18:4
“While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'” – Genesis 1:26
Job 38:41
“Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?” – Job 38:41
Psalm 147:9
“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” – Psalm 147:9
The Importance of Nurturing Relationships
The nurturing bond between a hen and her chicks beautifully speaks of the importance of relationships in our lives. As God’s children, we are called to support one another with love and care. Emulating the hen’s instinct to protect her young, we can create a culture of compassion where people feel safe and valued. Bonds of friendship and family are forged through love, support, and shared moments. Let us strive to strengthen our relationships and reach out to those in need, just as a mother hen would do for her chicks.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
God’s Provision
Just as chickens provide for their young, God takes care of our needs. Understanding this helps us nurture gratitude within us. Sometimes we might feel anxious about the future or uncertain about our provisions, but God assures us with His promise to provide. He knows our needs even before we ask. Trusting in God means believing that He is always working for our good, just like a hen who tends diligently to her chicks. Our faith can grow stronger as we reflect on His steadfast care and compassionate nature in providing for us.
Matthew 7:11
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Matthew 6:31-32
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” – Matthew 6:31-32
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
Faith and Protection
Just like the way a hen offers protection to her chicks, our faith assures us of God’s protection in our lives. When we trust in God, we become aware of His presence around us. Life may throw challenges our way, but we can find peace knowing that we are never alone. As a mother hen guards her young, God shields us in times of trouble and guides us through uncertainty. Encouraging one another in faith helps solidify our community, reminding each other of the protection God provides for His children.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:7-8
John 10:28
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” – John 10:28
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Chickens and Community
The imagery of chickens can extend beyond individual care to illustrate the importance of community. A mother hen cannot raise her chicks in isolation; she needs the support of her environment. Similarly, we are called to build each other up within our communities, to love and take care of one another. Building strong connections with those around us brings joy and security, ensuring that we thrive together. Every person has a role to play, and embracing our connection empowers us to care for one another just like a hen helps her chicks grow.
Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the verses about chickens and the beautiful imagery of a mother hen, we recognize the depth of God’s protection and care for us. This profound love invites us to nurture our relationships with others, mirroring this care in our communities. We can find comfort in knowing that just as the hen shields her chicks, God is always there to guide us, provide for our needs, and watch over us. Let’s embrace this truth and reach out with love toward those around us.
Encouraging and building one another up helps foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Let us take moments to reflect on the relationships we have and how we can support one another in our walk of faith. Remember, we are not alone in this journey; God desires to gather us under His wings, offering comfort and reassurance.
If you’re interested in learning more about God’s creation, explore clear truths in the Bible verses about creatures or discover the majesty of God’s care through Bible verses about eagles’ wings.