| The Zurka Bird Two wealthy brothers set out one Christmas to purchase the very best Christmas present they could find for their mother. The search for this present became so fierce that the two brothers turned it into a contest to see who could find the most unique and extraordinary present that was available. One brother thought he had found the perfect present. He found a Zurka bird. Now the Zurka bird was no ordinary bird. It was a very rare and special bird. Costing many thousands of dollars, it had to be flown in from the Amazon. It could speak five different languages. It could recite beautiful poetry and sing opera. It was an amazing bird, indeed. So the brother paid dearly for the Zurka bird, wrapped it carefully and had it sent to his mother for Christmas. On Christmas day, he gave his mother plenty of time to wake up, eat breakfast, and open his gift. Finally he could wait no longer. He called his mother and when she picked up the telephone, he almost shouted into the phone, “Mother, mother, what did you think about the beautiful Zurka bird that I sent you?” On the other end of the line, the mother had this reply: “Oh, son, it was delicious!”
Where to Take It from Here?
God has given to us some wonderfully unique gifts. Unfortunately, we sometimes don't realize how wonderful they are and we end up misusing them or doing great damage to them. Take the gift of sex for example. Sex is a wonderful gift that was meant to be enjoyed by two people who have committed themselves to each other and to God in marriage. Just as the woman ate the Zurka bird (which was delicious) and never really enjoyed it as intended, there are many people who eat up sex (which is also delicious) and never really enjoy it as God intended. God has given us many other gifts as well—and he wants us to use them for their intended purpose (1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Romans 12). And then there is Jesus Christ, God's greatest gift of all (2 Corinthians 9:15). Do you appreciate God's gifts to you? Ephesians 4:7-8 " But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it [ a ] says:"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
|
