Lessons Learned From A Flock Of Geese – Bible study

Scientists have discovered the secret of the great strength of the Canadian geese in their longs flights. Some flocks fly from the Hudson Bay area to the Midwest at a powerful 70 miles per hour, nonstop. Co-operating as a flock in a V-shaped formation, wingtip to wingtip, not one goose misses a stroke. They are able to fly a 70% longer range than when a solitary goose tries to make it alone. The lead goose cuts a swath through the air resistance and creates a helping uplift for the two birds behind him. Each bird rotates as the lead. In this manner, the tired birds fan out the edges of the V for a rest and the rested ones go toward the point of the V to the lead of the flock.

Scientists believe that the incessant honking of the geese, is a way the stronger ones lend encouragement to the weaker ones. If a goose becomes exhausted or ill and has to drop out of the flight, a stronger member of the flock will follow the weak one to his resting place and stay with him until he is well enough to fly again.

This is a valuable lesson for us as Christians. Just as geese can go farther and accomplish more by flying as a family, so we as a community of fellow believers can go farther doing the Lords work than we ever could alone. If we fly in the family (the church), we will never fly alone. Another member will support us and our efforts will help other members of the church (cf. Acts 2:44-46; Acts 4:31-35; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

The lesson of the geese adds strength to the fact that if we help others, we help ourselves. And in the serving and giving of ourselves, we ourselves are lifted up and helped along lifes way. On one occasion, Jesus disciples were arguing over which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus reply was short and certain. He told them that ones care of others is the measure of ones greatness (Matthew 10:40-42; Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 9:48; Romans 15:24-33; Hebrews 6:10).

Brethren, lets not attempt to fly the Christian life alone, but allow other Christians to help us all get to the same goal heaven (Colossians 1:1-14; 1 Thessalonians 1; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 1:3-4).