LIKE A MOTHER HEN

 

 

In Section 29 of Doctrine and Covenants, the Saviour uses two metaphors in relation to the Second Coming, which are in stark contrast to each other.

In describing the earth becoming ‘ripe’ for the days of tribulation and desolation, He says that His ‘cup of indignation is full’ and He will take vengeance upon the wicked who will not repent (v 9, 17).

This metaphor of the cup suggests that just as there is a limit to how much a cup can hold, so also there is a limit to the Lord showing patience to the wicked (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, p. 61). Please note that His patience is limitless but His exercise of it is limited when the people become ripe for destruction.

The second metaphor is one with which the Lord begins this Section, declaring that He will ‘gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to His voice’ (v 2). This is good news for the righteous that follow Him.

Consider the sense of security we can feel knowing that the Saviour’s heart is like a mother's: loving to the point of self-sacrifice, relentlessly caring and aggressively protective.  Now note the characteristics of a mother hen that He used as an example of His care:

·        After the first three days, the chicks develop a fear of new things, an instinct that keeps them safe from danger. However, mother hen’s presence makes them feel secure, as she provides a safe base from which they can explore and learn about the world.

·        A mother hen gives special alarm calls when she senses danger relevant to her brood’s age.

·        In addition to providing warmth and protection, researchers have found that a mother hen provides an important source of social learning for the chicks she is raising.

·        It appears that the security offered by a mother hen promotes the healthy behavioural development of the chicks she is raising. A confident mother can help her chicks to grow up with appropriate behaviour for their environment, leading to a happy and healthy life.”

 

-        (Tamsin Cooper, Raising Chicks with Mother Hen, 18 Aug 2021)

Can you see the Saviour in what you have just read? Does He not provide knowledge that can lead to a happy and healthy life through His Gospel? Does He not send prophets to warn us of present danger? Does He not offer security through His commandments and His Church? Does He not dispel fear and offer protection through the power of His spirit?

Does He not make us feel secure in the knowledge He has given us of our eternal nature and eternal destiny? Has He not provided everything that is needful for us through the power of His creation? Does He not promise us safety from the calamities that are yet to engulf the world and its wickedness when He appears? Could He possibly do more in His capacity as a saviour to ensure our ultimate success?

 

Thy love for Thy people is beyond compare,

Thy mercy affixed forever more.

Thy power delivers us and

Thy loving kindness gathers us;

We are restored by Thy merciful might,

We are Israel, children of light.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Gathering by Eva Koleva Timothy)