Red Cardinal Faith

We’ve finally got a good snow blanketing in PA this week.  It’s like a bright white felt covering.  And what happens? The red cardinals come out.  At one glance yesterday afternoon, I saw about a dozen bright red cardinals perched in the trees.  They come out in the snow and sit in leafless trees.  Very obvious.  They are fire engine red splashes against a white back drop.  Anyone, including predators, can see them clearly.  What makes a red cardinal do this?

Yes, there’s a sermon illustration here.  I want red cardinal faith.  When the snow is heavy enough, everything is blanketed.  Enter the cardinal.  If I could read his mind, he might be thinking, “Hey, I’m here even if it’s just to bring a splash of color. Times like this when I contrast with the snow is when you see me the most.”  I would like the life of Jesus in me to catch eyes like the cardinal.  Again, HIS life and not mine.  Look, there’s something different and contrasting here to what the world has given you.  Want to know about it?

Matt. 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Splash some contrasting color.