God As A Chicken?!

 Did you know that God is compared to a chicken in Luke 13?

 

In speaking to Jerusalem, Jesus says, “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

 

And did you know that there is a hymn called “When Twilight Comes” that builds upon this passage?

 

“When twilight comes and the sun sets, mother hen prepares for night’s rest

As her brood shelters under her wings, she gives the love of God to her nest

Oh what joy to feel her warm heartbeat and be near her all night long

So the young can find repose, then renew tomorrow’s song.

 

One day the Rabbi, Lord Jesus, called the twelve to share his last meal.

As the hen tends her young, so for them he spent himself to seek and to heal.

Oh what joy to be with Christ Jesus, hear his voice, oh! Sheer delight

And receive his servant care: all before the coming night.”

 

I’ve heard of God as lion.

I’ve heard of God as lamb.

I’ve heard of God as eagle.

I’ve heard of God as mother and father.

And I suppose I’ve heard of God as chicken—

I’ve read the entirety of the Bible—

But I didn’t remember the chicken part until Sunday.

And now I can’t forget it.

 

A chicken.

An ordinary animal.

A staple of life all over the world.

An animal with approximately three years of active egg-laying,

An animal that can reproduce time and time again.

 

Jesus desires to be a chicken.

 

Oh God: You are God of all and yet you came to earth as a humble man who likened himself to a female chicken. You never cease to amaze. Thank you. Amen.