# Consider the Ravens explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on the lives of ravens and birds, observing their trust in God's provision without anxiety for the future. Through this meditation, the speaker concludes that even in suffering and death, the birds are cared for by the Father, and resolves to live as God's bird, trusting in divine care.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The speaker observes the ravens and birds as a means of understanding God's provision and care, seeing divine truth in their simple lives.

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The speaker acknowledges the reality of suffering and death in nature, yet overcomes fear through trust in God's fatherly care.

## Character check-ins

### Lord

The speaker addresses the Lord throughout the poem, considering His words and the example of the birds.

### God

Referred to as 'our father' who is present even at the sparrow's death, emphasizing divine care.

### Sparrow

Mentioned in the context of falling and being cared for by the Father, echoing Jesus' teaching.

## Key lines

> Sowing neither corn nor wheat They have all that they can eat; Reaping no more than they sow They have more than they could stow; Having neither barn nor store, Hungry again, they eat more.

The birds do not plant or harvest crops, yet they always have enough food; they do not store up provisions, but when hungry they find more to eat.

_Highlights the birds' reliance on immediate provision rather than hoarding._

> Thy bird has pain, but has no fear Which is the worst of any gear; When cold and hunger and harm betide him, He does not take them and stuff inside him; Content with the day’s ill he has got, He waits just, nor haggles with his lot.

The bird experiences pain but not fear, which is the worst burden; when suffering comes, the bird does not internalize it but accepts the day's trouble without bargaining with fate.

_Emphasizes the bird's freedom from anxiety and its acceptance of present circumstances._

> It cometh therefore to this, Lord: I have considered thy word, And henceforth will be thy bird.

So I conclude, Lord: after reflecting on your teaching, I will from now on live as your bird, trusting in your care.

_The speaker's resolution to adopt the bird's trusting attitude toward God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/consider-the-ravens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters