Pigeons and the Kingdom of God

Yesterday I visited Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park with family and enjoyed seeing the native birds, mammals and reptiles of Australia.  When we arrived the carpark was filled with tour buses, and the park was as crowded as I had ever seen.  Over time the crowds dissipated, and our leisurely stroll through the enclosures of animals both familiar and exotic to me was pleasant.

One thing I like about Featherdale is how the animals in some areas have freedom to move around and interact with guests but can also remain in a "refuge" that is off-limits to the public.  This means a hands-on experience with a wallaby or kangaroo is possible if they are in the mood to venture out of the refuge.  Another interesting dynamic is the feed, water and protection provided for the native animals is a draw for local, commonly found birds in Sydney like rainbow lorikeets and pigeons.  Pelicans stay in their enclosure that is open to the sky while ibis from the community fly in.

It seemed in all the feeding and watering places in Featherdale, I noticed pigeons had made themselves at home.  Unlike kangaroos whose movements are contained to their paddock, the pigeon pictured freely availed itself to the water provided for the kangaroos.  I do not know anyone who would pay to see pigeons, yet there were many pigeons resting in the enclosures of native animals.  The pigeons at Featherdale reminded me of how Jesus has opened up the kingdom of God to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, to whosoever will come to Him by faith.  Jesus did not forbid little children from coming to Him, and He also welcomes Gentiles into the kingdom and family of God according to His grace.

Jesus Christ is the Door to the kingdom of God today swung wide open for all who are hungry and thirsty for eternal life.  He invites and welcomes all people to repent of their sin and receive Him by faith, and to all who are willing He gives the right to become children of God.  Revelation 22:16-17 says, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." ¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."  Seeing the pigeons drinking water among wallabies and kangaroos was a lovely reminder of God's divine acceptance and abundant provision of life for all who come to Him.  As pigeons and marsupials are all part of the Featherdale experience, even so heaven is for Jew and Gentile alike united by Christ.