The Sensitive Dove
Many years ago a British couple accepted a call from their denomination to be missionaries in Israel. A house was provided for them near Jerusalem. After settling in they noticed that a dove had also made its home with them nesting in the eaves.
But soon they noticed that any loud noises in the house would scare the dove away, sometimes for quite some time. If a door slammed or voices were raised, the bird would be gone.
They had initially accepted the dove as a token of God’s blessing over them, but what did its sensitivity to their loud noise mean?
They could have expected the dove to adjust to their level of noise, but they didn’t. Instead they lowered their noise. They wanted the dove to stay.
The Holy Spirit is pictured in the Scripture as a dove. There could be many reasons for God to choose this timid bird as a picture of His Spirit. One of those reasons would probably be illustrated by this story. The dove loves peace and won’t stay where there’s loud, disturbing noise. The Holy Spirit is somewhat like that.
The Holy Spirit can be grieved. He makes His home where He’s welcomed – in a heart that cultivates sensitivity to Him, in a heart that has learnt how easily He can withdraw His fullness.
Cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Learn to live in constant contact with Him. Make Him your friend.
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