Australian Pelican

Near my mother’s home by Lake MacQuarrie are several Australian Pelicans. They are large, white birds with black wings and pink bills, which are the longest of any living bird. These sharp implements scoop fish, crustaceans, tadpoles, shrimp and, sometimes, turtles and pigeons. In order to drink, they open their beaks and collect rainwater, which hold 9 to 13 litres. They can also desalinate salt water which is useful in times of drought.

In Zephaniah 2, the prophet associates the prosperity of these birds with God's judgement on wicked cities:

The herds shall lie down in her midst,

Every beast of the nation.

Both the pelican and the bittern

Shall lodge on the capitals of her pillars;

Their voice shall sing in the windows;

Desolation shall be at the threshold;

For He will lay bare the cedar work.

This is the rejoicing city

That dwelt securely,

That said in her heart,

“I am it, and there is none besides me.”

How has she become a desolation,

A place for beasts to lie down!

Everyone who passes by her

Shall hiss and shake his fist. (NKJV, emphasis mine)

What terror these pelicans bring to the lake-life of Australia is nothing compared to the pending judgement of God on our wicked urban centres.

Image by Jeanette Burton from Pixabay