Photographing Barn Owls “in the wild” is a specialist job- unless you are VERY lucky! Look at those eyes… and the savagely sharp beak… To be treated with respect and great caution, always.
This particular owl is part of a U.K. conservation project; I visited a few years ago, and was recently scrolling through pictures when the expression of this bird hit me. Since the very first time I saw photos of Barn Owls I have admired their perfect “faces” and their splendid plumage. Donning a leather gauntlet and being able to perch an owl at less than arm’s length was a joy!
At heart, it is a wild predator: virtually silent in flight, and with precision vision, these owls have traditionally helped control rodent populations in field, barn, or wood. Barn owls drift silently along hedgerows, hovering over long grasses- listening intently and spotting the slightest scurry below. Once located, the prey has little change of escape. Pouncing silently, the next thing you may hear is a short “squeak” as another vole perishes to the talons of the Silent Assassin.
It isn’t surprising that owls are seen as mysterious– and, more mysteriously, “therefore” wise. Owls are viewed superstitiously, and are often seen as a “bad omen” or a precursor of evil. Their ruthless efficiency predating in the dark seems to hint at supernatural powers- how else can they hunt so well, bringing Death to the darkness?
The prophet Isaiah brought messages from God: in Ch 13, the prophet pronounces doom against the tyranny of the ancient Babylon. This city of oppression will indeed be punished for its evil deeds. Babylon became a symbol of the oppressors: and owls are one symbol of judgement as they haunt the ruins…
Babylon, the most glorious of kingdoms,
the flower of Chaldean pride,
will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah
when God destroyed them.
20 Babylon will never be inhabited again.
It will remain empty for generation after generation.
Nomads will refuse to camp there,
and shepherds will not bed down their sheep.
21 Desert animals will move into the ruined city,
and the houses will be haunted by howling creatures.
Owls will live among the ruins,
and wild goats will go there to dance.
22 Hyenas will howl in its fortresses,
and jackals will make dens in its luxurious palaces.
Babylon’s days are numbered;
its time of destruction will soon arrive. (Is.13 v19-22 NLT)
God speaks forcefully against pride and arrogance. That is worth reflecting on in today’s troubled political landscapes. Leaders seek glory and dominion, wealth and prestige. Historic grievances on all sides render peace-making extraordinarily difficult- and in times of war, restraint is one of the first casualties.
As we pray for peace and justice in the Middle East (particularly Israel and the Gaza territories) it is wise to remember that God alone is the Source of true wisdom and all Justice. We live in dangerous times when “strong leaders” force compliance by violence; the truest Hope for all nations rests on Jesus. As Prince of Peace, He is the One who can resolve the current crisis.
Challengingly, He has set out a difficult path for His followers: “Love your enemies…”
Love for Enemies
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them…” (Luke 6 v27-32. Read the rest of the chapter!)
NOW you can pray biblically- even though it is harder…
The Reflectionary 