We live in a subdivision out in the country. We have had lots of visitors to our bird feeder. In addition to the expected variety of birds we have also had deer, squirrels and turkeys. Our next door neighbor even had a bear! All wanting to eat the seed in our bird feeder.
We do get other visitors to our bird feeder though who aren't interested in what the birds are eating. They are interested in the birds themselves. Our neighborhood cats.
This summer we have had three cats visit out feeder - an orange kitty named Paulie (our neighbor's cat), and orange and white cat (unknown name and origin) and a scrawny black and white kitty.
Paulie, the orange cat, was our first visitor. He lets my wife pet him but he also likes to bite. The orange and white cat won't let my wife get near it - a true fraidy cat. But the black and white cat is different. He is very friendly and even purrs while you pet it.
These three cats are a prefect representation of the humans society and our reaction to hearing The Gospel. If my wife represents the truth of The Gospel here's how the cats (representing us) react to the unconditional love she offers each of them.
Some of us, like the orange cat, will listen to the Gospel but then will get very angry. They will even get violent. Others, like the orange and white cat, don't want to hear The Gospel at all and run from it, denying it totally. Thankfully there are some who, like the black and white kitty, will embrace it and thank you for sharing it.
Even though my wife offers her love to ALL of the cats, most reject it. Why? The experience of their lives has taught them not to trust anyone and to lash out at others. Still, just like God, my wife will continue to love them despite who they are. Despite who life has made them. Despite the scars on HER hands. She still loves all cats but at some point they will have to trust her in order to fully experience her love for them. And so it is with us.
The Gospel - Ryan Stevenson
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