A glance through the bible’s references to birds finds no specific mention of ducks. Doves, turtledoves, storks, cranes, sparrows, pigeons – yes; ducks – no.

Two thousand and twenty-four ducks

All individually numbered, they descended on DCC on Year 12’s last day this year – a wonderfully creative and imaginative diversion brought about by our graduating class. All the birds numbered in the 900s found their way to our Hall Road campus (the home of Year 9).

Five other ducks, including number 1, have been located in my office. One even crawled into the lining of one of my jackets in my wardrobe in my office – only making itself known as I sat down in an enrolment interview earlier this week. Well done, Year 12 – you have set a gold standard for celebrating the end of formal schooling for our graduating classes of the future to live up to.

The story of the ducks has been shared with many visitors, it has been a source of conversation repeatedly, as new members of the flock are discovered in hiding places around the College. It brings a smile to those who find them – it brought laughter and shrieks of delight to our community on your last day.

What do ducks teach us about God, and about His kingdom?

“Get your ducks in a row”.

That’s not a bible verse, but many a helpful internet devotional writer has suggested that ducks, in terms of this common saying, can point us to Matthew 6; especially verses 27-34.

Having reflected on the fact that even the barn birds (perhaps they were swallows) are cared for by God the Father, Jesus then encourages the crowd to “get their ducks in a row” (that is, get themselves sorted out) by saying:

“But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Ducks remind us of being anointed.

Ducks have a special gland positioned near their tails, called the preen gland. This gland produces an oil, which ducks rub over their feathers with their beaks (preening) to maintain their waterproof effect. This oil creates a protective barrier that stops feathers from becoming waterlogged.

Anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment. In biblical times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on that person’s life (examples include Exodus 29:7 & James 5:14). A person was anointed, as God’s servant, for a special purpose.

After Christ left the earth, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in the furthering of God’s Kingdom (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 John 2:20).

“Like water off a duck’s back!”

Have you noticed that sometimes little things in life can annoy you far more than they should. You may recognize that as an attack from the enemy. Maybe we should be praying and asking the Lord to make us like a duck – so that these annoyances run off our backs just like the water off a duck’s back. So that the little things (and big things) that bug us don't steal us from the good work God has called us to do.

Fit For Purpose

Maybe ducks, who are sometimes hilarious to look at as they go about the day, but who are integral to their ecosystem’s flourishing, are reminding us that God gives each of us His gifts/skills/interests/abilities to exercise on His behalf where we find ourselves – at home, work, and play.

We have our own unique identity under God, He has called us to do His purposes; no two of us have the exact same story or call. We are duck-like, because to the outsider, we may provide amusement (or bemusement) as people watching us see us answering the call of God on our life, no matter how strange it might be or look.

That’s enough.

Ducks are fun; the 2024 ducks gifted to us by Year 12 caused great pleasure and an ongoing narrative for our community.

Does God have anything to teach us from ducks?

Maybe, but it’s probably not for me to be definitive about what that is. Rather, enjoy the story that brought these ducks to you, and share in wonder at the way God creates these surprising moments as ways of spurring us on to understand Him more, and be thankful for what He has done for us, through the works of His people.

Shalom.

Principally Thinking

'Act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God'

Issue 14 · 15 Nov 2024

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